From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Matthew 4:17
Matthew 4:17
John had told his disciples that he must decrease while Christ would increase. From the time Jesus heard that John was imprisoned He continued the ministry that John had begun as the forerunner for the Messiah. Matthew tells us of Jesus’ testing in the wilderness prior to this, how He called His disciples and ministered the Word and healing to those who came to Him.
I was struck by how Jesus carried on the work of John when he could no longer minister. It seems to me we need to develop the same plan for our ministry. We need to make the path straight for Jesus in the lives of those around us and then when we are unable to minister to them He will continue where we left off.
John did this for all of Israel: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." He taught them a lifestyle of repentance that opened the way for Jesus to reach into their lives. That seems to be the proper role for us in ministry. Teaching to repent, connect with Jesus so He can bring the ministry they need in their lives. It is true that I will decrease as their caregiver/minister and that Jesus will increase. But it is also true that they will become brothers/sisters instead of subordinate to me. That way I end up with family not patients.
This also assures that when I am gone the way of the earth that Jesus will continue the ministry He entrusted to me. That way I know there is no futility in the life I live. Whatever is left when I am done will be finished by Jesus. Like John I can know that the ministry of the Gospel will continue beyond my participation. I know I am connected to something greater than myself. I can count on Jesus to bring what He started in and with me to completion.
He must increase,
Pastor Jason
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