Jesus offers a word. If we want to minister to another in a impactful way we should look at how Jesus did it. He looked (with love and understanding), He spoke a word, and he used a touch. Today we're going to see how He offered a word.
In this setting, Jesus had ministered to people all day. At the end of the day He sent his disciples ahead of Him in a boat and He went to spend time with the Father in prayer. In the early hours of the morning (between 3-6 am) He went out to them walking on the water. This terrified His disciples and they were crying out in fear. Jesus responds immediately to them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." The events that follow are amazing and He teaches them a lesson about learning to do as He has done in their time with Him and what that requires.
Jesus often ministered with a word. I am thinking of the woman who was brought to Jesus by the religious leaders. She was caught in the act of sinning and they wanted Jesus to condemn her. What did Jesus do? He gave a word to them--"If any of you are without sin, you throw the first stone to kill her" (my paraphrase). And to the woman (as each of her accusers began slinking away), "Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?" With no one left to accuse He also said, "Then neither do I condemn you, Go now and leave your life of sin." He offered a wonderful word of hope, of a new start.
There are many instances of Jesus offering a word to someone in need. Who might I see in need today? How might I offer a word of hope, of encouragement? Will I be like the self-righteous religious leaders and offer a word of condemnation or will I be like Jesus and offer a word for a new tomorrow?
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