Jesus Knew His Ministry Environment

TODAY’S READING: Job 20; Mark 3; Mark 4

SCRIPTURE: Mark 4:33-44

“With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.”

OBSERVATION:

Jesus knew who He was talking to and when and what they needed to hear.  Most people need to hear an encouraging word -”God is on your side.”  Everyone got the Word but not everyone got Jesus personal discipleship - the explanation of everything.  Not because He was not willing, but because they were not ready.  Where they were in life and faith was not conducive with life on life discipleship; however, that did not disqualify them from relationship.

Jesus discipled twelve to reach the entire world, to invite all who will hear into a relationship with God.

APPLICATION:

I need to get a better handle on who the masses, the crowd, the congregation, and the disciples are in the church.  I don’t want to discourage someone who is simply needing the love of Jesus with too heavy a burden.  I don’t want to overlook someone who is ready to be trained into the ministry by simply giving them a “God is on your side message.”  I want to make the difference that God wants to make i people’s lives.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for the great privilege of serving your church.  You have called the church your bride and I am honored to minister to her.  Help me to know who I am ministering to when, and how to best serve them.  Give me discernment into your heart for individuals and for the different ministry environments and help me to minister that same heart to your people.  In Jesus name - AMEN!