Principles of Christ-Centered Ministry

Christ-centered Ministry calls for Flexibility ()

Explanation: The setting of this account is important. This miracle is unique in that it is the only miracle recorded in all 4 Gospel accounts. Reading the Synoptics is necessary to understand what is taking place. Jesus had recently empowered the 12 with spiritual power & authority, and then sent them out for ministry (; ). These two accounts describe their mission and return. Jesus then told them they would all go away to a remote place for some down time (). But, instead of being left alone, a large crowd actually gets there before they do. And they show up expecting to get something from Jesus and the 12

Illustrate: getting a call from Odell about 10:30pm about picking up Sue Ann At Pizza Hut. (Or the call from Aubrey at 4:30am to come and get him and Becky from Davis Hospital)

Argument: God doesn’t happen on our schedule. Ministry is messy, and it happens when it happens. The call to follow Christ is a call to self-denial. We are bought with a price and we are not our own

Application: In order to connect with the unconnected, we must be willing to make accommodations to our agendas.

Christ-Centered Ministry focuses on the spiritual, not the physical ()

Explanation: Jesus ministered to the crowds, and spent time teaching them and healing their diseases. As the day was drawing to a close, the 12 came to Him and asked them to dismiss the crowds so they could go back to their homes so they could eat. Instead of dismissing the crowd, Jesus told the 12 to provide for their needs. The Scripture states that He told them this “in order to test them.” The 12 were still learning, because their first thought was to focus on the material cost that would be needed to buy them even just a little bit of food.

Illustration:

Argument: The 12 were focused on the physical. In spite of their time with Jesus (this was in their 2nd year []) and they had already witnessed Jesus performing many miracles. John only focuses on 7 of the Miracles, and this is the 4th in his Gospel. Looking at all the Gospels informs us the Feeding of the 5,000 is actually the 19th recorded miracle. And, it is important to remember that not all of Jesus’ miracles were recorded. Adding to this is that Jesus had recently empowered them and they were casting out demons & healing the sick (; ). In spite of this, they were still walking by sight instead of faith.

Jesus is teaching them at this point, stretching them to grow in their understanding of Who He was. And that is what He is still doing with us. As long as we focus on what we can do instead of what He can do, we will miss out on Kingdom ministry

Christ-centered Ministry is marked by Generosity ()

Explanation: While the disciples are discussing how much money it would take to feed the crowd, and possibly other logistical issues, Andrew has went and found a young lad who had offered his bag lunch. The amount of food consisted of 5 barley loaves and 2 fish. Barley was the bread of the poor and was made in thin, hard cakes. The fish were most likely dried sardines that were used as a relish for the bread. As it was, it wasn’t even a large lunch for a small boy, yet he gave it to Andrew for the Master’s use

Illustrate: Rajah and the beggar and the 3 grains of rice

Mark’s account has Jesus telling the

Argument: While the text only focuses on the one young lad who surrendered his lunch, truth be told, there were probably a lot of hold outs in the crowd. It is hardly thinkable that in a crowd of upwards of 10,000 that only 1 boy had food on his person. When the disciples were asking around, the nameless others selfishly kept what they had to themselves. The generosity of the boy is rewarded by his inclusion in the Word. Little is Much when God is in it!

Application: What possessions are you holding close

Christ-centered Ministry satisfies needs, more than abundantly ()

Explanation: The Lord Jesus took the 5 loaves and the 2 small fishes and performed a miracle. He looked up to heaven, gave thanks, and started passing out the food. The text gives no explanation for how the small amount was multiplied, but that is the nature of a miracle. Little becomes much when it is placed in the hands of the Master

Illustration: Calling me as Associate Pastor in 2003. The funding wasn’t in place, but as a Church, you stepped out in faith and God provided.

Argument: Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, and a pioneer of faith missions stated it this way: “God’s Work, done God’s Way, will never lack God’s supply. When God does a work, He will provide more than abundantly.

Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Application: As we move into the new year, let us move forward in faith. Let’s ask God to open our eyes to His agenda and join Him where He is already at work.