Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus Begins His Ministry

Jesus begins his ministry in the midst of much social, political, and religious turmoil. His withdrawal right after John's arrest tells me that Jesus was not a demonstrator. At times, I confuse the kingdom of God and its agenda with protesting for something or someone. Jesus could have mobilized people to get John out of jail. Maybe he could have planned a revolt to liberate him. He simply avoided being noticed because the kingdom agenda demanded that.

Even from the start, we see Jesus interested in the needs of the Gentiles. As fulfillment to a prophecy Jesus made his base of ministry among those who needed it the most. Jesus became the light in the midst of darkness. Ministry is to serve those who are in need. It is not a social club for "us four and no more." I must seek the needs of the community and shine the light of Christ upon them.

Jesus' ministry, though distinct from John the Baptist, is also a continuity to the work that John - and all the prophets before him, had started. The message of the kingdom continues to be one of repentance. Ministry can take many shapes and forms. Ministry can become creative and challenging to society. But ministry must never change the message. There is a legacy that I must respect and continue to preach what I have learned.

Ministry is not protest. It is to shine the light of Christ upon people who live in darkness. It is to continue preaching to the world that repentance is the only way into the kingdom.

Oh God, may I never innovate ministry so much that I become a demonstrator missing out its essence. Help me see the need for light in people's darkness and be willing to serve that need. Teach me to preach repentance until the end of my days, no matter how old-fashioned it may become.