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Mike's teaching on The Ministry of Jesus Christ, Part 4

Tue, Apr 28, 2009
Course Specific Materials

Dear Friends,

We are focusing on "fruitfulness in ministry" in this short series, this is part 4 of 5. We are looking at this text:

¹² Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. ¹³ And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, ¹⁴ so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

¹⁵ "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-

¹⁶ the people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,

and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them a light has dawned."

¹⁷ From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:12-17

We have considered Christ's call, His rejection, His persistence, and His commitment to the Scriptures, next let us look at His mission. It is stated in these words: "the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region of the shadow of death, on them a light has dawned."

The mission of Jesus Christ was to reach those in darkness and death. He came for the sick, for the lost, for the deceived and enslaved.

³¹ And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ³² I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:31-32

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

Specifically, in the passage, it shows us that Jesus' mission is to those in "darkness" and the "shadow of death." How amazing that Jesus, the Life and Light, would go to those the very opposite of Himself, those in darkness and death. Are we moved to go to those opposite ourselves?

The passage tells us of the mission and the passion of Jesus Christ. He goes to the darkness and brings light, He goes to the dead and brings life. Like in creation, the light from God's Word dispelled the darkness and brought light and life to the world. So it is with the mission of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago, and today.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4

I was one "dwelling in darkness" and "dwelling in the shadow of death" for many years. I remember the deception I was under, the excuses I made for my sin, the blame-shifting, the enslavement to sin. I remember being easily angered, defensive, judgmental, hypocritical, Pharisaical, filled with pride. All signs of darkness and death. Do you remember your life in bondage to sin, self, and Satan?

But once again, Jesus came. He came to this one who dwelled in darkness, not merely visited it. He came and gave life to this dead man, not one who was merely sick. "the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned."

The Word came to me calling me to repentance. God said:

"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you." Ephes. 5:14

In repentance, we are enabled to fulfill and obey Romans 13:12:

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12

And now, we are called to be Jesus' body as He continues to go to those in darkness and the shadow of death. As you mentor your students, you are the hands of Christ as He brings light and life to those in bondage. As they awake from their sins and rise from the dead, Christ shines on them, too. And now, instead of "dwelling in darkness" they begin to walk in the light:

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Oh how people dwelling in darkness do see a great Light when God turns their heart from sin and they come to Jesus. Oh how He illuminates our hearts with His love, and illuminates our path by His Spirit. No other "system" can bring light and life to those who live in darkness and death. All other religions can merely teach concepts and notions, Christianity brings light and life. We are not giving out merely information but rather we are watching God bring about transformation in the hearts and lives of people, even as light transforms a dark room.

The mission of Jesus Christ was to go to those in darkness and death and bring them light and life. He came from heaven to earth for this purpose, He moved from Nazareth to Galilee for this reason, and now He is sending mentors to students to accomplish the same mission.

Personally, I am very very excited about the future, and have been praying that God would make all of us very fruitful in ministry. I hope you are likewise excited about seeing many lives transformed.

grace and truth,
Mike Cleveland
team member settingcaptivesfree.com