Author - Emma Stanley
It is hard to imagine that we are going on break starting tomorrow. It's even harder to believe we have been on this discipleship journey for four months already! Much like last week, this has been a week of preparation. We started a new sukkah out back, working double time to reach a good stopping point, and welcomed our first group to utilize the property. It has been amazing to witness the growth and confidence in the guys as we continue our building process.
It will be a busy and eventful break for almost all of us. Afterward, we will return and tell all our stories. I'm excited and know I'll miss these guys, but probably not till closer to the end of the break. I've been swimming in a pool of testosterone and am craving any opportunity to be around some women to keep me balanced.
So, without further ado, let us hop into our topic this week: Adopting Jesus' Ministry Model.
One cannot embark on the journey of discipleship without first immersing oneself in the boundless ocean of compassion that Jesus exemplified. Matthew 9:36 paints a vivid picture: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." To adopt Jesus' ministry model is to cultivate a heart that feels the pulse of humanity, extending empathy to the downtrodden and the lost.
Jesus' ministry was a radical departure from religious circles' of exclusivity. In Galatians 3:28, the Apostle Paul echoes this inclusivity, stating, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Discipleship involves dismantling societal divisions and embracing a love that transcends boundaries, mirroring the all-encompassing love found in the teachings of Jesus.
In the Gospel of Mark (Mark 10:45), Jesus lays down a foundational principle for discipleship: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Discipleship is not a pursuit of power or prestige but a call to humble service. It challenges the disciple to lead with humility, mirroring the servant leadership modeled by Christ.
Jesus, the consummate storyteller, used parables to convey profound truths. In Matthew 13:34-35, it is written, "All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable." Discipleship involves the art of narrative – the ability to communicate eternal truths through relatable stories. It invites disciples to engage with others deeply and meaningfully, echoing the transformative power inherent in Jesus' storytelling.
At the core of Jesus' ministry model lies the radical concept of forgiveness. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus' reply challenges disciples to surpass human limits, declaring, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." Discipleship demands an unwavering commitment to forgiveness, mirroring the divine forgiveness offered by Jesus.
Discipleship is not a passive observance but an active journey into the heart of Jesus' ministry model. It requires a compassionate spirit, inclusive love grounded in Scripture, servant leadership, mastery of storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to forgiveness. As disciples, let us echo the words of Paul in Philippians 2:5: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." I pray our journey in discipleship reflects the transformative power of adopting Jesus' ministry model, guided by the inherent Scripture that illuminates our path.
So, friends, I ask that you pray as our team heads into winter break that we will not be quick to fall into old habits but continue to be showered in Scripture from the moment we awake till we go to sleep. Seeking opportunities to adopt Jesus' Ministry Model and love those around us as only Christ can, adopting His active pursuit of compassion, boundless love, servant leadership, captivating storytelling, and unwavering forgiveness. We will talk to you in a few short weeks, but for now…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It is hard to imagine that we are going on break starting tomorrow. It's even harder to believe we have been on this discipleship journey for four months already! Much like last week, this has been a week of preparation. We started a new sukkah out back, working double time to reach a good stopping point, and welcomed our first group to utilize the property. It has been amazing to witness the growth and confidence in the guys as we continue our building process.
It will be a busy and eventful break for almost all of us. Afterward, we will return and tell all our stories. I'm excited and know I'll miss these guys, but probably not till closer to the end of the break. I've been swimming in a pool of testosterone and am craving any opportunity to be around some women to keep me balanced.
So, without further ado, let us hop into our topic this week: Adopting Jesus' Ministry Model.
One cannot embark on the journey of discipleship without first immersing oneself in the boundless ocean of compassion that Jesus exemplified. Matthew 9:36 paints a vivid picture: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." To adopt Jesus' ministry model is to cultivate a heart that feels the pulse of humanity, extending empathy to the downtrodden and the lost.
Jesus' ministry was a radical departure from religious circles' of exclusivity. In Galatians 3:28, the Apostle Paul echoes this inclusivity, stating, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Discipleship involves dismantling societal divisions and embracing a love that transcends boundaries, mirroring the all-encompassing love found in the teachings of Jesus.
In the Gospel of Mark (Mark 10:45), Jesus lays down a foundational principle for discipleship: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Discipleship is not a pursuit of power or prestige but a call to humble service. It challenges the disciple to lead with humility, mirroring the servant leadership modeled by Christ.
Jesus, the consummate storyteller, used parables to convey profound truths. In Matthew 13:34-35, it is written, "All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable." Discipleship involves the art of narrative – the ability to communicate eternal truths through relatable stories. It invites disciples to engage with others deeply and meaningfully, echoing the transformative power inherent in Jesus' storytelling.
At the core of Jesus' ministry model lies the radical concept of forgiveness. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus' reply challenges disciples to surpass human limits, declaring, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." Discipleship demands an unwavering commitment to forgiveness, mirroring the divine forgiveness offered by Jesus.
Discipleship is not a passive observance but an active journey into the heart of Jesus' ministry model. It requires a compassionate spirit, inclusive love grounded in Scripture, servant leadership, mastery of storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to forgiveness. As disciples, let us echo the words of Paul in Philippians 2:5: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." I pray our journey in discipleship reflects the transformative power of adopting Jesus' ministry model, guided by the inherent Scripture that illuminates our path.
So, friends, I ask that you pray as our team heads into winter break that we will not be quick to fall into old habits but continue to be showered in Scripture from the moment we awake till we go to sleep. Seeking opportunities to adopt Jesus' Ministry Model and love those around us as only Christ can, adopting His active pursuit of compassion, boundless love, servant leadership, captivating storytelling, and unwavering forgiveness. We will talk to you in a few short weeks, but for now…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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