WW-U-D
Jesus didn’t build ministry around the temple— He went to the people. Jesus was a friend of sinners. (Matt 11:19)
Jesus didn’t build ministry around the temple— He went to the people. Jesus was a friend of sinners. (Matt 11:19)
Julie CattonMar 20, 2023, 12:45 AM
W
There’s another phrase that many of you may be familiar with and some, like me, will pretend they do when it’s brought up in conversation, then secretly google it on their phone. The phrase is “incarnational ministry.” For those of you who are as clueless with theological terms as I am, it really is about living the WWJD life.
We think we’ve got it right when we go to church each week, pay our tithe and live a good Christian life. But Jesus did so much more for us and expects so much more from us. He didn’t build His ministry around the temple but among the people. In fact, half the time Jesus was in the temple it did not go well (at least for the priests, anyway). His ministry was about intentionally going to where the need was; meeting people where they were at. He was not afraid to get alongside the rejected, hurting and outcast of the world.
But how do we, in the busy life that we lead, find the time to do that?
There’s the ad on TV at the moment targeting zero road deaths. During a short interview, a man is asked how many road deaths would be acceptable during a year. He decides 70—and then his family come around the corner visually showing what 70 looks like. It quickly gets very real and emotional, and he amends his number to “0”. That got me thinking—what is an acceptable number of people who should be hurting? How many people should be feeling unloved or rejected? What is an acceptable number of people not to reach out to? I can’t help but think if we truly have Jesus’ love inside us, we couldn’t help but be His hands and feet. It won’t be “Oh . . . it’s just too hard to get started,” but “How could I ever stop?”
Sometimes, if we’re honest with ourselves, our lack of reaching out to other people stems from a small (or large) superiority complex. We have this idea that people who are homeless, destitute or in real trouble have somehow done this to themselves. We, however, are not in that situation because we have made good choices and have been appropriately blessed because of it.
Jesus came down to this Earth—from Heaven, no less—to reach all of us. Did you catch that? Jesus came from Heaven, where angels were worshipping and adoring Him. A perfect place beyond our wildest imaginations. And came to this sin-filled, hateful Earth. And to top that, He came to spend time with people considered to be the low-life scum of this world. He came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Any superiority complex we might have will quickly evaporate if we are going to follow in those footsteps.
The bottom line is this: people want to be loved, for real. That’s what Jesus came to offer us, and that’s what we can offer too.
Julie Catton lives in Melbourne, Victoria, and is a primary teacher who is currently enjoying staying at home with her children.
Free PDF Study Guides
Unlock the mysteries of Bible prophecy with the Secrets of Prophecy Study Guides! These step-by-step guides reveal God’s plans for your life, offering clarity on topics like end-time events, the second coming, and the hope of salvation. Perfect for beginners and seasoned Bible students alike, discover the truth that brings peace and purpose. Start your journey today!
Claim Free OfferJoin Online Bible Study Group
Join us for an Online Bible Study that will transform your faith journey, restarting January 2025! Explore timeless truths, uncover God’s plan for your life, and connect with a community of seekers like you—all from the comfort of your home. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into God’s Word. Register now and reserve your spot!
Register NowMore Articles
Mar 20, 2023
Feeding the homeless or the ego?
When raising awareness about a good deed becomes a shameless brag about one’s own generosity. By Katherine Yap.
Mar 20, 2023
Giving Without Spending
Learning to be generous even during difficult financial times
Mar 20, 2023
Ready or Not
I have often found the second coming of Jesus to be quite a daunting proposition. It somehow felt like Jesus’ return would actually stop me from achieving some of my personal goals.
Mar 20, 2023
Violence: Will it ever end?
The 20th century was the most violent in history and the 21st promises to be just as bad. But the Bible holds out hope for a better future.
Mar 20, 2023
From Prison to Palace
According to Doug Batchelor, we all have the opportunity to inherit an immense fortune.