I Think I Love You

Author - César Muñoz

"And I couldn't know all the things you know. Still, you love me. You call me worthy."

Hello friends! I am so excited to walk through these next few weeks with you. The Fellowship Team is working through five characteristics of Jesus' disciple-making process. These prompts are going to be so much fun to think about and challenge myself to read up on. This week, my assignment is to contemplate how a disciple of Jesus imitates His ministry model.
 
Imagine this: a charismatic, fun-looking guy strolling along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, telling fishermen to follow him and promising to make them "fishers of men." That's right, we're talking about none other than Jesus Christ, the Messiah! The Son of God! The spotless Lamb!. His ministry was not focused on a series of teachings. It was a living, breathing spectacle of unorthodox leadership supported by intentional self-identifying miracles.

One of the most iconic moments in the Gospels is Jesus walking on water. Let's be honest—how many people in your life do you know who can pull off a stunt like that? Picture a scene: it's a stormy night, and you're in a boat tossed about by the wind and waves, afraid for your life. There's Jesus, defying gravity with every step. It's the kind of divine spectacle that leaves an unforgettable mark on the minds of those who witnessed it.

What does walking on water teach us about Jesus' ministry model? It's more than just a supernatural display of power; it's a metaphorical lesson in doing the impossible. Jesus challenges us to step out of our comfort zones to walk on the unpredictable and vast waters of doubt and fear with unwavering faith. Now, that's a charismatic leader who doesn't just talk the talk but walks the walk. Literally!

Jesus was the ultimate storyteller. He didn't just drop little bombs of wisdom; he tied them together in parables that resonate with us today. Let's take the Parable of the Good Samaritan, for example. In a world divided by prejudices, Jesus flips the script by making a despised Samaritan the story's hero. It's a narrative bomb that challenges societal norms and calls for radical compassion.

The brilliance of Jesus' parables lies in their ability to remain timeless all these years later. Whether you're a first-century peasant or a 21st-century city dweller, the messages cut through the noise of daily life, speaking directly to the human heart. Charisma isn't just about eloquence; it's about crafting narratives that spark self-reflection and drive individuals to a transformative change.

Now, let's talk about food—the universal language of love (at least for me) and unity. Jesus wasn't just a miracle worker; he was a culinary genius. The Feeding of the Five Thousand is a masterclass in turning a lack of such a basic need into abundance. With just five loaves and two fish, Jesus orchestrated a divine banquet that left the masses in awe of His power.

What's the charismatic takeaway here? It's not just about multiplying physical sustenance; it's about the abundance of love, compassion, and generosity. Jesus invites us to partake in a feast where everyone is welcome, regardless of social status or background. His ministry model is a call to create inclusive spaces where the hungry are not just fed with bread but with a sense of belonging and dignity.

Speaking of food, let's take a closer look at the iconic Last Supper. This wasn't just any dinner but a profound act of communion. Jesus, the charismatic host, broke bread and shared wine, inviting his disciples into a sacred fellowship. It was a symbolic gesture transcending time, laying the foundation for a spiritual feast that has resonated through the ages, all the way to the modern church.

The Last Supper teaches us that true charisma is not about self-promotion. It's about selfless communion. Jesus washed his disciples' feet, exemplifying servant leadership—a revolutionary concept that challenges the world's power dynamics. His ministry model is an invitation to partake in a banquet of humility, love, and shared purpose.

As we reflect on the unconventional charisma of Jesus' ministry model, we find a leader who defied expectations, shattered norms, and left an unforgettable mark on history. Jesus' miracles, parables, and communal banquets were not about theatrics; they were a profound expression of His divine charisma rooted in compassion and love.

So, here's to Jesus! A leader who walked on water, told stories that echoed through the ages,  and turned simple meals into divine banquets.

I took you guys all over the place. So, let's review Jesus' ministry model of humility, servant leadership, unwavering love, storytelling, the breaking of bread, and so much more.

Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you walk away from this post, having learned more about Jesus' ministry model. As I bring this blog to a close, I am filled with joy and excitement for the prompts to come! The song for this week is I Think I Love You by Mudhouse.

Blessings!