Now, Go and Do the Works of the Ministry

Wrapping up our series: The Works of the Ministry

Our foundational scriptures: Luke 4.1-22; Ephesians 4.12

In Luke 4.1-22, we see Jesus return from the desert, go to his synagogue, read from the scroll Isaiah (today known as chapter 61.1-2a), then tell those present this prophecy has been fulfilled in their hearing. This is why Jesus came to the Earth. This is the work of ministry.

Luke 4.18-19: specifics

• Anointed by God with the Spirit of God upon him
• Preach the good news to the poor
• Proclaim liberty to the captive
• Recovery of sight to the blind
• Set at liberty those who are oppressed
• Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

These are the works of the ministry Paul mentions in Ephesians 4.12; saying the saints would do this.

This week we look at ‘going and doing the works that Jesus did’. Jesus said the world would know we were his because of our love for one another. It was his ‘new’ commandment that we should love one another just as he loved us. That is how everyone would know we were his disciples, his students, his pupils, his followers. We demonstrated love. We demonstrated the love of God; for us, for the world. (John 13.34-35)

Jesus had ‘compassion’ for people. ‘Compassion’ is defined as: suffering with – from Latin ‘compati’. Basically, you feel what they feel, and your heart goes out to them. We are to have that same compassion for people that Jesus had/has. The Greek word used for ‘compassion’ was ‘splagchnizomai’ – Strong’s G4697/4698, to have the bowels yearn, to be moved by compassion. What they described was a deep yearning, inwardly, for people’s misery, their trials, their tribulations, and to seek a solution. To be moved deeply by the passion God has for them and desire to be the solution.

• Matthew 9.36: Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion for them; they were like sheep without a shepherd.
• Matthew 14.14: Jesus saw a great crowd, had compassion on them and healed their sick.
• Matthew 20.34: Jesus had compassion on 2 blind men, touched their eyes, and immediately they saw.

Jesus asked Simon-Peter, after the betrayal, after the resurrection, to feed his sheep. Jesus asked Peter three times: do you love me more than these? First was ‘agape’ – the selfless, giving love. The second time again was ‘agape’ love. The third time was ‘phileo’ – friendly, brotherly love. Each time, Jesus asked Peter to feed his sheep. Jesus asks us to love one another as he does – with agape, selfless, love. And if we cannot do that, can we at least love out of fellowship, phileo, and want to see others doing well? John 21.15-18

 

Jesus said, if you do this – have love for one another – that signs will follow; events and actions will follow your action. Your action: go and do. God’s action: you will cast out demons, you will speak in new tongues, you will deal with serpents and deadly things, poison will not poison you, and you will lay hands on the sick and they will get well. (Mark 16.15-18)

 

Jesus said all power was given to him, now go and do. He is with you. Teach the world; baptize them into the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and teach them to do what Jesus commanded – love God and love one another. (Mt 28.18-20)

Go do the works of the ministry. Do the works that Jesus did. Go give the world what God gave to Jesus and Jesus, in turn, gave to you. Go be the difference in someone else’s life and reap all of the benefits God said you would have.

Amen?