Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him…
Luke 8:1
The way the ministry of Jesus was done as described here by Luke intrigues me as I read it. Here is Jesus at the height of His Galilean ministry. He is itinerate, traveling with His band of disciples and a ragtag collection of followers from place to place. And He is both preaching the kingdom of God and bringing it. That is interesting. It isn’t just that the gospel is preached. It is more than words. It is more than a message. The gospel brings change to lives in visible ways. It orients those who believe Jesus to a new life… a new purpose… a new direction… a new meaning. The gospel brings healing, help, comfort, and peace.
That is what Jesus did with the good news. And those twelve who traveled with Him? They were commissioned by Him with that same gospel… a gospel we still preach and bring into our societies when we teach and model Jesus’ transforming truth to our own towns and villages around the world.
The gospel isn’t just taught… it is brought. It isn’t just preached but it is also lived. It is more than speaking… IT IS DOING! Jesus brings change as we faithfully proclaim the gospel AND live as Jesus shows us. That is the call of discipleship… to tell all about Jesus and live as He shows us. May we both preach and bring it!
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