So Jesus shows us how to minister. It takes a personal touch. It takes one-on-one time. It takes listening. It requires presence. Our ministry in Uganda last month was primarily one of relationship and presence. We listened. We hugged. We helped. We learned. We experienced.
We experienced the power of relationship.
Jesus shared life personally. We find this throughout the Gospel of John. In nearly every chapter, Jesus has conversations with individuals, piquing their interest, answering their questions, or coming to their defense.There is power in personal relationship. Jesus did preach to the masses, but he also cared about people individually. He took time to listen, to engage with people. He answered difficult questions and probed deeply into people's hearts.
"Jesus One on One" is the new Sunday morning series at Crossroads beginning this Sunday. Each week we will see how Jesus took time with people personally to bring them into relationship with himself. If we want to make a lasting difference, it will have to be done through relationship.
May 17 Personal PersuasionJesus gets Nathanael's attention because Jesus knows where Nathanael has been.
May 24 Questioning Authority
Nicodemus, a man of religious authority seeks to understand who Jesus is.
May 31 Quenching Thirst
Jesus helps a foreign woman understand the real thirst of life.
June 7 Healing for the Hopeless
Jesus reaches out to a crippled man, healing him and giving him hope.
June 14 Life-Changing Mercy
When people want to condemn a woman caught in adultery, Jesus shows her mercy and encourages her to stop sinning.
June 21 Insight on Sight
Jesus' disciples notice a man who has been blind all his life. They raise theological questions about his plight, but Jesus shows him compassion and heals him.
June 28 Something for Everyone
After Jesus' friend Lazarus dies, the man's sisters question Jesus' friendship. He shows each woman the kind of compassion she needs.
July 5 Divine Gratitude
Jesus appreciates Mary's extravagance as she honors him by anointing him.
July 12 Compassion in Persecution
A soldier who has come to arrest Jesus is wounded, and Jesus heals him.
July 19 A Son's Concern
Jesus cares about his mother's welfare, even as he dies on the cross.
July 26 The Surprise of Life
Jesus meets Mary Magdalene after his resurrection, giving her the surprise of life.