Sunday: Christ’s Method Alone
Ellen G. White, in an often-quoted paragraph, summarizes what Jesus did in order to reach out and bring the people to salvation.(See also Matt. 9:35-36.)
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” – Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.
Let’s analyze this a bit.
- Jesus mingled with people as One who desired their good. (He opened networks.)
- Jesus sympathized with people. (He formed attachments.)
- Jesus ministered to their needs. (This also formed attachments.)
- When He combined the first, second, and third elements, He won people’s confidence.
- “Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (to become disciples).
Image © Darrel Tank from GoodSalt.com
What we see here is a wholistic model of the gospel. This ministry method will guide us in proclaiming the gospel more fully. Jesus did not separate the social aspects (number 1-4) from giving the invitation to follow Him (number 5), and so neither should we. All of the steps working together will give “ true success.” This lesson will focus on the first step of Jesus’ method. Lessons 7-11 will focus on the others.
What do the following verses say about God the Son mingling with us? Matt. 1:22-23; John 1:14.
We are all deeply hurt and damaged by sin. But everything that has gone wrong in the world because of sin is addressed by God’s reconciliation with humanity through Jesus’ wholistic incarnational ministry. He mingled with and desired the good of the whole person and the whole human race, even ministering to those who in that culture were deemed “the worst.”
| Dwell on this amazing truth that the One who made all created things (see John 1:3), Jesus, took upon Himself human flesh and in the flesh mingled with and ministered to fallen humanity as He did. How should this amazing truth, so full of hope, impact how we mingle with and minister to others? |
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Does mingling fit in everyone's comfort zone? An honest assessment may not always come easy. There are bound to be a certain number of individuals that prefer not to mingle for what ever reason. Now comes the big question. Are there consequences that accompany that type of attitude? If so what might they be?
Healing all the sickness and disease would certainly be an affective way to mingle and to minister, Matthew 9:35. Is another way as equally affective?
Mingling definitely does not fit my comfort zone! However, I find that even simple contacts such as kind words and caring concern for the "nobody's" we come in contact with make a difference! Most people you pass by are very unhappy! Even a cheery "hi" picks up their spirit (and mine)! Try showing the waitress you see often that she/he is important! Don't be a cheap tipper! Carry God's Spirit with you today and see how many simple things you can do to bring another even a little happiness!
I am a social person, but odd enough, I find really hard to start a conversation or to say Hi! to strangers. But based on a recent \"testimony\" of someone that attended my church for some time, I have asked the Lord to give me the gift to approach people that I see sitting in the pew by themselves! Even more so, if I notice that they are visitors,..it is not easy, sometimes, people don\'t respond with enthusiasm, but I ask the Lord to not be discouraged and keep doing it. we need to start at home, being nice to others that need the Lord
Christianity is a call to go beyond our comfort zone. While it is true that mingling does not fit in everyone's comfort zone, it is true that we cannot truly minister from a distance. True witness entails mingling. The real evidence of a True Disciple of Christ is found in a life of surrender. Surrendering our preference for the cause of Him who first loved us. Christian Service is not to do as I prefer, but rather to do as my Lord commands even when it cuts against my very grain.
Jesus valued people, and genuinely showed them that He did before He asked them to follow Him. The care He gave to those He encountered helped them understand what following Him was all about. What Jesus did for them was what they were (in the strength of His Spirit) to do for others.
In this situation I believe the word "mingle" meant to gradually develop a relationship of empathy and connection. We are called to build relationships with those in need. Grace makes the eternal difference. Our Lord has demonstrated by his mission of mercy that love, compassion and kindness are fundamental to ministering in a wholistic manner. Praise God for his life testimony. Amen
Lets use the word mingling in a broad sense as including the way we associate with our friends, workmates, relatives, etc. Jesus' first step was to 'desire their good', which I believe is to have a positive attitude. If we can have this positive attitude from above then it will be easier to identify their needs and showing them that we care through sympathizing.
Having the desire to do good in fact leads us into doing good everytime irregardless of the challenges. Those close to us, will then be blessed by our companionship.
Our first step is to pray for God's guidance and He will direct you to a service
A gentleman in the community has a son whose mother died when he was 3 years old
I asked him to allow me to take him to church and now he'll be 10 years old in August
Through the years I've helped him with his school work and he is active in sabbath school .
He loves God and he prays to him He even sang Lamb of God in church
We can plant small seeds in people's lives as we look for ways to minister to them
Jesus is the greatest teacher and if His method worked why not follow it
Pray then mingle with the intention of showing others Christ
When we preach ,we must and are representatives of god ,we have have to spread the gospel to everyone without concerns of religions ,tribes or race .
Well said Albert. I presume that means to the unchurched as well. How do we spread the Gospel to those who have nothing to do with religion?
Many among the Millennials nowadays (the unchurched) want to know more about Jesus; just as the multitudes did in Jesus time. The multitudes saw the religion of the Pharisees, and definitely were not interested. Our millennials are of the same mindset, they not interested in organized religion, and especially not interested in going to "some boring church" (their words not mine, I Love going to church). As Jesus spoke to the multitudes from week to week, they began to listen because Jesus was able to meet them where they were. Soon after, the Multitude was following Jesus where ever He went, "just to hear a word from the Lord".
We first have to have that "desire their good" as stated in today's lesson. Desiring their good is similar to what you feel for your own children: for them to have good things, access to a good education, and supply them with the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter. Our hearts should ache for those who are deprived of these things. Until our hearts began to ache, no progress will be seen.
Also, we must desire to go to them, and not continue to wait for them to come to us. If the unchurched will not come to our churches, we must go to the places where they are. And We don't have to go to places that are the Devil's playground to do this; however, we can use some of the same tools and technology that he uses to attract the unchurched. Maybe we can start a Branch Sabbath School on Periscope. Yes, it will be slow at first, but if the subject matter is interesting enough, then it will go viral. Look at all the other crazy video that go viral. Are you telling me that the Word of God can't go more viral too? Let's all try some new ways, or use new technology for God's glory!
Mingle is just as pouring some salt in food, if you don't mingle you never can reach out to discover the needs and how to attend them.
We are salt of the earth.
I appreciate the comments of each one. What I was hoping to see was that we are all different. That doesn't mean right or wrong, good or bad, but different in our persuasions. I have a very good friend that has helped me often in times of need. He tells me if anyone, my next door neighbor, or anyone that we might be in talking distance to, or have occasion to start a conversation with, that doubtless he will be there. I on the other hand, say good morning to some of my fiends on Sabbath with a half smile and find a seat to await the church service. I guess antisocial would be my characterization. I would choose quiet instead. I use the excuse of living alone as acceptable because that is what I am used to.As I said we are all different because we all have the power of choice. I choose to be what ever God wants me to be. Not necessarily what anyone else wants.
Paul, I agree with you; there is a need for everyone, every personality, in God's work. I tell my hubby, who is antisocial, "it takes all kinds to make the world go round". Whereas I use to think he was crazy to stay home all weekend, I like to be active in church work on the weekends.
Like him, you can give your time and efforts in other ways. In the Youth ministries, we are always in need of money, or in need of someone to sponsor a child to go on our church Camporees or Summer Camps. At my church, a small church, we never have enough money in our Youth Ministries budget to do the things that we need to do. We often have to go before the Church Board to ask for an extension of our budget to take our kids on these outings. So you and my hubby can give to these types of ministries without having too much personal contact.
I also expected to see comments about differences in people's personalities and abilities. I tend towards that shy end of the social scale, and know people who are much farther along that scale than I am. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul lists several gifts of the Spirit, all of which are necessary for the healthy operation of the Church. The one that is closest to the current topic is that of helping, which is something that can often be done without a lot of interaction. Toni mentioned one example and several others have been given in other posts. A problem that arises for me is whether I am using this as an excuse to stay quietly in the background rather than working more openly and bravely for Christ.
It is all so strange. ..if we are unable to reach even those in our own congregation...if we fail to connect with them... then how do we expect to reach those that are deemed society's outcasts. Well only by being sincere witnesses and attending to their needs of course. Reach out to the needs of others and NO Preaching will be necessary for then our lives would have already attested. Like the songwriter puts it. ..."LET THE WORLD SEE HEAVEN IN YOUR EYES. ..SHOW THEM LOVE THAT THEY CAN'T DENY" .... May the good Lord be our example. ..Amen!
Hakeluyah to this.
So profound.
We should let our light shine before mankind that they will see our good work and bring glory to God..
Perhaps this is another element, when it comes to mingling or "associating" with other people. I definitely agree that we must NOT be exclusive, but still, it is good to choose our friends and associates carefully, isn't it?
From the Adventist Home p.462
"It is wrong for Christians to associate with those whose morals are loose. An intimate, daily intercourse which occupies time without contributing in any degree to the strength of the intellect or morals is dangerous. If the moral atmosphere surrounding persons is not pure and sanctified, but is tainted with corruption, those who breathe this atmosphere will find that it operates almost insensibly [i.e. imperceptibly] upon the intellect and heart to poison and to ruin. It is dangerous to be conversant with those whose minds naturally take a low level. Gradually and imperceptibly those who are naturally conscientious and love purity will come to the same level and partake of and sympathize with the imbecility and moral barrenness with which they are so constantly brought in contact."
This doesn't mean that Jesus would have us ignore "publicans and sinners", but I would suggest that Christians are wise to remember that they are a "separate" people.
I feel that this is important : "Christ... was HIGHLY SOCIAL; yet He possessed a reserved dignity that did not encourage undue familiarity." (Evangelism p.636)
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The "mixing" of the salt is not necessarily as straightforward as it might seem. Of course the presence of too much salt is not good.
Stewart, you sound an appropriate warning but at the same time we need to develop the skills to go out and mingle with those outside the church. We are far too insular. Some of its understandable but I think that sometimes we set barriers up that are entirely unnecessary.
Let me give you an example: I went to an academic conference with another Seventh-day Adventist. At morning tea time my colleague insisted that we go outside so that we were not tempted to break our health reform principles. We missed the opportunity of meeting socially members of our profession and networking with them. I have since learned that the tea breaks are the most important part of conferences now and that orange juice and a biscuit does not threaten my salvation. And the conversations and opportunities that only occur during tea break just keep coming.
Maurice, I agree that in general we are far too insular. I also agree that we can set up barriers that are entirely unnecessary. Yes, I'd have to say that we do tend to err on that side. And yet in an effort to correct our course, it seems that we can swerve from one "ditch" across to another. We either remove ourselves when it is not necessary to remove ourselves [robbing God of an influence that He might have 'shed abroad'], OR we end up associating too freely/closely with those that swear and backbite and gossip, etc. To me the danger of "contamination" is quite real, despite the dismissive language that is sometimes used with regards to the idea.
Effective, real life, evangelism involves some "fine lines", in my view, and to keep our feet (hearts and minds) on the narrow path requires a good sense of balance. Coming close to people, while maintaining the high Christian standard, is a skill we all need to venture upon, and develop.
Its all about purpose, Stewart. If you go with a prayer and a purpose of serving then there is no need to become contaminated. If your purpose is to see how close you can go to the edge, you are very likely to suffer the consequences.
I have told the story here before of my daughter who studied optometry at University. She joined the student social activities and made it very clear she would not be drinking and that she was not into causal sex. She was always there for her friends when they were drunk or stupid or both. She helped them throw up! She drove them home. She always insisted that vegetarian food be available. She wore her Adventist lifestyle very high and the friends she made at Uni are still her friends today 15 years later. Now my daughter is a very special person and I would not expect everyone to act like her, but I use her as an example of how one person successfully "mingled" in the real world.
Yes, you need to know your limits, but my point is that some of us a dead scared to go out where real people are and make a difference. We are unnecessarily setting limits on what God can do with us.
Very good.
Thank you Maurice.
Could it be that in some cases the fear that you refer to, might come from a feeling of not knowing what to say or do?
I think that some of us might "stand above the lower rounds of the ladder, saying [to our brethren], “Come up where we are.” But the poor souls do not know where to put their feet." (Evangelism p.48)
One of the areas of responsibility entrusted to our pastors and teachers, is to equip the flock to go out [as you say,] where real people are and make a difference.
The following text is relevant in this regard I think :
The Lord "Himself appointed some to be Apostles, some to be Prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be pastors and teachers, IN ORDER FULLY TO EQUIP HIS PEOPLE for the work of serving -- for the building up of Christ's body..." (Eph 4:11-12, Weymouth's Translation.)
This work of "equipping" the church for such a role, is not a purely doctrinal or theoretical work. I would say that equipping people for real world evangelism is something different. But in my experience I've seen little of this being done, and yet, in the Scripture it seems to be given as the first responsibility of the ministry.
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(I remember reading about the practical training that the Waldenses undertook in the old days, in preparation for their evangelistic labors. They were a very effective force for good, although the tragic reality that attended their labors was that many of them labored at the cost of their lives.)
This quote though valid isn't talking about our association with others for the purposes in our Sabbath school lesson, whose focus is to mingle with those around us and to desire their good.
This quote talks instead of "an intimate daily intercourse" or in modern English, making them your close friends. Our lesson is about something else entirely.
Else, where would the woman at the well, the sons of thunder, Mary Magdalene and Simon the Leper be, to name just a few examples.
Ian, your post brings to mind a question. Did Jesus previously spend time with the woman that He met at the well... did He engage in a friendship ministry, and become close friends with her, prior to the meeting at the well?
Did He engage in a friendship ministry with tax collectors or prostitutes, or any of the people you mentioned? That is an approach which has a certain popularity today, but it doesn't seem to have any precedent in the New Testament.
To the woman at the well, to all intents and purposes the answer would be no, but when seen from Gods perspective, shared by Jesus, it is actually yes. God is always working tirelessly to become our close friend. So yes, Jesus, like God, is always cultivating a close personal friendship with all.
See how many times Jesus visited the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and you could get the idea that Jesus had favourites. Even among the disciples, there was Peter, James and John. Was Jesus playing favourites?
When we read the stories though, we find rather than Jesus playing favourites, it was the others who made Jesus their favourite, and that is quite OK, because it is open to all of us to make Jesus our favourite.
Jesus is, and was, a friend to everyone. Each of them he saw not as we see them, but as they would be in eternity with him. Not that alone, but he also loved all intimately because they are his sons and daughters.
However in the cases of all the others the answer is clearly yes, he did cultivate friendship with the tax collectors and prostitutes. So much so that he was accused of it. His answer of course is what he wants us to be doing as well, seeking the lost sheep.
We could travel to Palestine to visit the places that Jesus visited, but if we went instead to the dishonest businessmen, prostitutes, those hunting the false and empty pleasures of the world, the sick, the broken and the needy, we will find his footsteps where they have always been, at their sides. Jesus is still working for the lost sheep now. If we work there too, we will be working with him.
From the comment of Barb Z below I see that she is working with Jesus in this way.
I think we all need to conceptualize and contextualize "mingling". I'm sure that this aught not to be done in ANY way that will make us unrecognizable in a sense. What do I mean by this....the good book says "shun the very appearance of evil" .... while we mingle our individuality as Christians is still to be felt and easily discoverable. While mingling people looking on aught to be able to single us out and say.."there goes a follower of Christ". Peter was singled out in the crowd before Jesus' cruxifixion and even when he spoke it was clear that he had been with Jesus even so that he had to use profanity to try and deceive them. Let us not get carried away with the word mingle and lose sight of what Christ wants of us....all I know is "JESUS MINGLED" yet he remained in contact with his father and unspotted by those with whom he mingled who were outcasts & sinners. ...the result: MANY came to the father bcos of it. Play some soccer here and there with them, purchase a barbecue ticket, support their fundraising event s...etc.... BUT don't forget to SHINE YOUR LIGHT & SHARE CHRIST. Let me end with this text.."Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven. Mingle to gain (souls) ... not for fame!
MINGLE by all means but remain SET APART!!
.......AMEN..... 🙂
Marlene I agree with much of what you propose including the comment that Jesus mingled. Yes He definitely did, mainly because the crowds were so packed that they trampled over each other. He didn't need invitations.
Interesting discussion. Let me say that it is not always easy to 'mingle' without 'appearing' to be part of the 'outside world'. I am the only Adventist in my home and family. It is a daily challenge to uphold every Adventist principle- friday night the TV is on, so I remove myself and take some time out to study and pray. I set boundaries which are not always understood but I need to be strong and adhere to what I have said. Other times I might need to go to places that I would rather not, but to support my family it is the right thing to do.
Sabbath just gives me time to go to church and when I come home it is difficult to keep the Sabbath especially the long summer afternoons.
However, I pray that all that I do is a witness to the love that God has for each one. Words about church and God are not at all welcome, so it is by action and care that I witness. God is my strength and my constant companion. It is in my heart that I keep Sabbath and talk to Him who 'will keep me from falling.'
I pray for others in a similar situation!
Jane, I feel for you in your situation. I know that it is not easy... I have lived and worked in situations similar to yours.
...This may not mean much for you [it may not be relevant], but I found some encouragement in the story of Naaman, where he effectively asked for leave to help his master worship in the temple of a pagan god. And it appears that he (even as a new Christian) was given leave to assist the king in that way. (2Kings 5:18-19)
May we all remember you in our prayers.
Take courage in the knowledge that many a family has been blessed by an Adventist mother who upheld God in her house alone for many years. The story of my grandmother is that. She worshipped without my grandfather for near 50 years, but God, and she triumphed in the end when he was baptised and became an ardent and hardworking church member in the last year's of his life.
May you be blessed as you bring your family to God daily in prayer, and may your prayers be answered soon.
To quote my grandmother, "As you go through life you should always preach a good sermon. Sometimes you should even speak."
She always reminded us that the way we lived and how we behaved towards others may well be the only sermon they ever hear.
We have run out of reply levels above so I will continue the conversation with Stewart here:
I think that you are right about "not knowing what to say or do". The issue is that we don't have enough practice. I read a book about a conservative Jewish school in Melbourne when I was studying sociology that helped me understand the problem of how Adventists relate to people outside the church. It was interesting that you could replace Hasadim with Seventh-day Adventist in the book and it still made sense. In a nutshell we are often fearful of ourselves and the way others will perceive us. Fortunately, the others are much more tolerant of our differences than they have ever been. I have been to a lot of academic functions and there as always been vegetarian options. You get a little tired of orange juice as the alternative drink, but it is always available.
It is necessary to choose such activities at ones own comfort level. I have frequently attended conference evenings where the participants get quite inebriated. I don't like that, but I can handle it, and my sobriety has always been appreciated when it comes time to get them home. But I can understand some Adventists finding it very difficult to be in that situation. That is fair enough. I don't think that my example is what everyone should do. It is just that in my line of work the situation came up frequently and it gave me the opportunity to be responsibly Christian.
Here is something else to think about: A few years ago I was deemed too old to continue contributing to my church as the visuals director. This is an ageist attitude that the church has yet to deal with, but for my part I felt hurt until I realized that effectively the walls of the church had blown off and I had the opportunity to share my visual creativity outside the church. I am now actively involved in several community activities where I can contribute that I did not have time to be involved with before. One of the reasons that I am so passionate about church members seeking to be involved in community is that after 43 years of working in a church environment, I have met so many good people outside the church with whom I can talk and share.
I work with street chaplains in the city on weekend nights - not an Adventist "owned" program but a lot of Adventists involved. I would definitely call this "mingling" as we get lots of opportunity to offer assistance (water, hot drinks, lolly pops, coats on cold nights to (almost naked) ladies, thongs to those with sore feet from high heels, somewhere to lie down if needed) and a listening ear for the lonely. Let me tell you - the Chaplains are LOVED and respected by the young people and they see a whole new side to who Christians really are. This to me is mingling.
There is much to learn from Israel's "mingling", where we learn God wanted them to not mingle with the nations, but He did want them to witness to them through faithful obedience. In time, many would have come seeking to know the "secret" of their wonderful prosperity and peace, which then would have allowed Israel to mingle as salt; with the purpose to better the lives of their fellow man.
The world mingles for many reasons, mostly for personal pleasure or advancement, but Servants of God will mingle to serve their fellow man as the Samaritan mingled with the man left for dead along Jericho road.
Are we mingling to be served or to serve?