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The Importance of Ministry by Fr. Reid Hensarling
Matthew 9:35-10:8
Notice the threefold ministry of Jesus: teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every affliction. His words and deeds demonstrate his authority. The synagogue was a place of instruction as well as of worship; they were a natural place in which a teacher would teach. Jesus regularly taught his people the Old Testament. It is crucial for us to read, learn, and digest his holy word. Preaching is not the same as teaching. Teaching is instruction, primarily dealing with content. Preaching contains instruction, but it is more than instruction. It is also proclamation, an announcement of what the listeners must hear and to which they must respond. The proclamation was about the kingdom of God and it was good news for those who had ears to hear.
Matthew recorded many healing miracles of Jesus in his early chapters. He tells us that Jesus had great compassion on the crowds. He had divine love and affection for troubled and needy people. To be harassed and helpless meant to be literally torn and thrown down. Sheep are defenseless animals, unprotected from predators. Without a shepherd they are vulnerable to any attack. Even without predators they are in trouble if they have no shepherd, for they do not feed well on their own. They need a shepherd to lead them to green pastures and take care of their every need. Sheep desperately need a good shepherd who would save and protect them from all danger and harm.
The opportunity was ripe for a great harvest, but many laborers were needed to accomplish this mighty task. Something must be done to help those who needed help. Jesus himself could only be in one place at one time. He needed his disciples to take part in the harvest of souls. So an immediate practical solution to the need for workers was the calling and sending of the twelve disciples. The disciples are given tremendous authority and responsibility for mission – to cast out demons and to heal every disease and affliction. Their mission consisted of not only healing but preaching. These two go together as complementary aspects of the announcement of the kingdom of heaven and each confirms the validity of the other. The healing activity of Jesus and his disciples was more than mere kindness; it was itself a part of the proclamation of God’s kingdom. Their ministry was to be without pay. Their authority to heal was a gift of God, not bought or earned or rewarded. Jesus had given them far-reaching power to heal, save, and deliver. If they obeyed his word, great things would be done for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Followers of Jesus are given an important place in the work of the kingdom. If Jesus used the twelve disciples to do his ministry and extend his kingdom, then he can certainly use us. Jesus did not choose supermen. God does not need outstanding people to do his work; he does very well with ordinary people like us. He draws us into a diverse group of people called the church to do his work in the world. The world desperately needs to hear his message and be saved and healed. It is important to remember that the mission is always God’s and under his authority and control. We still must be diligent in prayer and supplication even though he is ultimately sovereign in our lives and in this world. Prayer makes a tremendous difference in the kingdom and in our everyday lives.
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