How did Jesus minister?

 Many Christians begin by proclaiming biblical doctrines.

‘Jesus is the Son of God, who was in eternal fellowship with the Father before creation. We are sinners and need forgiveness. Jesus died for your sins. If you repent and believe, God will forgive you and give you eternal life.’

I believe this is the truth, according to the Bible. There are also Christians who have heard this message and have come to faith as a result. The apostles in the book of Acts also preached this truth often, but not without signs and wonders.

But did Jesus start like this?

What did Jesus say?

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Mt 4:17 NIV

What does this mean? What did the Jews understand at the time? What did ‘the kingdom of heaven’ mean?

We Christians study the whole New Testament and we have other theological explanations, but the Jews at that time were thinking of prophecies in the Old Testament.

After his resurrection and shortly before his return to the Father in heaven, the apostles were still thinking about the restoration of God's kingdom in Israel.

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6 NIV

Why didn't Jesus try to clear up this misunderstanding right from the start? Jesus did not explain theology. He did not start with doctrines.

Later, Jesus asked his disciples what they believed about him.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Mt 16:13–14 NIV

Then he asked them what they themselves believed. Only Peter gave the right answer.

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Mt 16:16 NIV

How did Jesus respond? Should the disciples proclaim the whole truth everywhere?

Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Mt 16:20 NIV

Why? The Jews believed that the Messiah would appear as an all-powerful king and commander and force the enemies of God to accept the rule of God. That is what they read in the Old Testament, but we are still waiting for that time. It hasn't come yet.

How did Jesus minister? He preached trust in God, inner purity and love of neighbour, and he healed and healed and healed.

He was rejected by the Bible experts of his time.

When Christians today minister in the same way, with practical love, genuine kindness and miraculous healings, they are rejected by many Bible experts and conservative Christians.

Nothing has changed. God has not changed. He still wants to show his practical love with miraculous healings, and many religious professionals reject this approach, as they always have.

Doctrines are important, but doctrines are often not a good starting point in mission.

In the Gospel of John, we read that Jesus was full of grace and truth, not truth and grace.

What is grace? Undeserved favour and unconditional kindness. Only if this is our starting point, will many people be willing to hear the message of truth.

It is not enough to tell people about the undeserved favour of God. We must demonstrate and practise the genuine kindness of God in our own attitudes and actions.