PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 4:23-25
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Proclaiming the good news of the kingdom… Large crowds followed him.” (Matthew 4:23,25)
When news about Jesus spreads large crowds want to follow him.
Why doesn’t that happen today – at least not in my experience.
I see large crowds of christians (already following), but not large crowds of new followers.
News about Jesus does not seem to spread and multiply like it did back then.
What are some possible reasons for this?
Is it because the message preached today is not Jesus’s kingdom of God?
Is it because people in need of healing or help are not being helped?
Is it because the news that is being heard is not good news?
Is it because Jesus is not with us now, as he was then?
I fear that all of this is somewhat true for the church as I’ve experienced it.
People are not drawn to what they see or hear, and maybe even experienced in church.
Many have seen enough of the ‘already following’ to convince them its not true.
Jesus is with us as his followers, but are we with him, being and sharing GOOD NEWS.
Do people experience in us, like they did in him, a life-blessing good kingdom?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be a grace person that shows and shares the good news of your reign. Help my gathering of Jesus followers be a grace community that shows and shares the good news of your reign.
We all are driven by hope for a better tomorrow. We go for higher education, hoping for interesting work and even better pay – we go to the doctor hoping for medical solutions to our health problem – hoping for the pain to be relieved. People were attracted to Jesus for He offered hope in several ways.. He is Good News! The same possibility/attraction exists today – presenting Jesus to others because Jesus offers hope. Sometime or even many times instead we alienate others. How can we be inviting while still holding onto our values. Do I have drink and swear like the others in order to fit in? No. But I can still try to connect and especially be there when others suffer some ‘blow’ or setback in their life. That is where we bring the hope of Jesus!
Good news.
Jesus brought the Good News in Word and Deed ministry. And the people were receptive. The Good News travelled far and near. Saving grace.
Today we still have that Good News. In times like these we put our trust in science rather than the Lord. Our focus still needs to be that Jesus saves. It is His world and He is in control. And as His follower, may others see Him living in me,sharing the Good News.
We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the mountains, cross the waves;
Onward! ’tis our Lord’s command;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!