[Speaking to the women, the angel in Jesus' empty tomb continued:] "Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died."
—Mark 16:7 NLT
Jesus is about ministry. While it is not emphasized in Mark, Matthew speaks of Jesus as Immanuel — God with us. Jesus reminded his disciples that they would experience his presence in their fellowship and worship (Matthew 18:20), in their service to those in need (Matthew 25:37-40), and in crossing cultural boundaries to share his teaching with others (Matthew 28:18-20). He wanted his disciples to carry on his ministry. So he wanted them to know that as they ministered in his name, he would be with them. They would see him personally raised from the dead after his resurrection, but they could also "see" him after his ascension by ministering to others. Jesus continues to meet his followers in the places of ministry. — Matthew will be the focus of this next year's "What Jesus Did!" devotional series. As we stand near the close of one year and look forward to another, let's use both Mark and Matthew to remind us that Jesus will meet us in the place of ministry!
Gracious, holy, and merciful God, please use me as an instrument of your peace, grace, and reconciliation. May I be found as a "vessel for honor"* — a tool you can use for your purposes in ministry to others. I know, dear Father, that your Son will be present as I minister. Please make his presence real to me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
* This phrase comes from 2 Timothy 2:21 NKJV about being pure so we will be prepared to minister.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 16:7 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus is about ministry. While it is not emphasized in Mark, Matthew speaks of Jesus as Immanuel — God with us. Jesus reminded his disciples that they would experience his presence in their fellowship and worship (Matthew 18:20), in their service to those in need (Matthew 25:37-40), and in crossing cultural boundaries to share his teaching with others (Matthew 28:18-20). He wanted his disciples to carry on his ministry. So he wanted them to know that as they ministered in his name, he would be with them. They would see him personally raised from the dead after his resurrection, but they could also "see" him after his ascension by ministering to others. Jesus continues to meet his followers in the places of ministry. — Matthew will be the focus of this next year's "What Jesus Did!" devotional series. As we stand near the close of one year and look forward to another, let's use both Mark and Matthew to remind us that Jesus will meet us in the place of ministry!
Today's Prayer
Gracious, holy, and merciful God, please use me as an instrument of your peace, grace, and reconciliation. May I be found as a "vessel for honor"* — a tool you can use for your purposes in ministry to others. I know, dear Father, that your Son will be present as I minister. Please make his presence real to me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
* This phrase comes from 2 Timothy 2:21 NKJV about being pure so we will be prepared to minister.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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