Jesus is our example, and there are times that I get overwhelmed with who He is and what He does. There is always a reason behind what God does.
Matthew 9:36 NLT
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
When Jesus saw this truth, knew why He was sent from heaven and began His ministry, things changed. God was moved to loved people because of what separated people from Him. That is where Jesus came in. That is where I believe we have to step in, learn from God and make a difference.
This is more than a one time event. Really it was a 30 year preparation with a 3 year time of instruction. In other words Jesus built people, taught truth and lived out what He taught in order to change the separation from people in bringing them, or best yet US, close to God.
Matthew 5:1-2 NLT
One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.
Because of the need of all the people, Jesus taught people closest to Him. This was not a one time event. It was His life for the 3 and a half years of His ministry. He gathered those people to Him. He is gathering us to Him. He is teaching us through the Bible and life to know Him, trust Him and follow Him. He did the same for those who were with Him.
Let’s keep on. Keep on following. Keep on learning. Keep on helping others come to know Jesus. This is the essence of discipleship, being a disciple of Jesus.
As I was studying and sharing about this in Cuba, I came across a verse that means much to me, but the verse seemed to come alive with one turn. That verse is Matthew 5:3. Here are some different translations of that verse:
NLT
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
NASB
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
But here is the one that got my attention this time as I studied…
THE MESSAGE
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
When there is less of me, there is more room for God. That is awesome. It echos our theme from last year … HE >i … and brings some light that I needed.
Jesus knew that to change the world He needed some people to get the truth. They needed to know His heart and be changed.
May we be changed and see the need of the world. May we do something with what God has given. May we be so moved by the compassion God had and what He has given us that we are part of changing the world!
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