Most of us have the awareness that we, as Christians, ought to love and minister to the unbelieving world around us.
That’s true!
But what do we think about when we consider the kind of love and ministry we are to have? What is particular and peculiar about “Christian” love and ministry? Does it look the same as other non-Christian charitable works? If so, what makes it “Christian”? And if not, then what is our love and ministry to the world supposed to look like?
Before I continue, let me make clear up front that general charitable works of love and ministry to those in need is a good thing. General works of love and ministry include things like feeding the poor, providing essential goods to those without, caring for the mentally ill, helping bring justice to the victimized, and more. These are all good things! In fact, Jesus himself models for us feeding the hungry (Matt. 14:31-21) and enjoying the company of outcasts (9:10-13).
While these things are important, what is unique about “Christian” love and ministry?
In Matthew 9:35-38 we find an answer,
“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’”
From this passage we find six unique things about the particular kind of love and ministry we are to engage in as disciples of Jesus.
Our work is global. Notice how Jesus “went throughout all the cities and villages.” He was not content in one area. The work of his love and ministry had to spread everywhere, because his heart was for everyone and everyone was truly in need. Therefore, as his disciples, we are to also consider our work of love and ministry as global.
Our work is words. Whether intentional or not, Matthew chooses to describe Jesus’ ministry by first emphasizing his “teaching” and “proclaiming” of the good news of the kingdom. In other words, before stating what he did we hear what he said. This is because the focus and foundation of Jesus’ (and our) love and ministry to the world is the reality of the kingdom of God. God has broken through the dominion of sin and darkness, and provided a way for all people to experience his grace, power, and love in his perfect kingdom. Therefore, as his disciples, we are to love and minister to the unbelieving world with our words: teaching and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.
Our work is healing. This shouldn’t be a controversial issue. The plain reading of the gospels displays a Man (Jesus) who heals—all the time. And this isn’t merely a “spiritualized” healing, but physical healings of diseases and afflictions. Therefore, as Jesus’ disciples, we are to understand that our love and ministry to the world includes the supernatural power of healing. New Testament scholar Craig Keener writes, “The disciples are to demonstrate God’s reign the way Jesus did, through healings and exorcisms, a commission Matthew nowhere revokes” (Craig S. Keener, Gift & Giver: The Holy Spirit for Today; Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2001).
Our work is motivated by deep compassion. Of course, unbelievers may also claim that their works of love are motivated by compassion. So what’s unique about Jesus’ compassion? As Matthew notes, when he saw the crowds he saw their true state and identity: “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” It wasn’t just that these people were hungry, needy, without essential goods, ill, afflicted in various ways, etc. In truth, they were harassed by the enemy of their souls—Satan—and completely helpless in their fight against him and sin. And without life-giving direction and leadership, they roamed about like shepherdless sheep—aimless and fruitless. Jesus’ compassion for them, therefore, was deep, because he saw the depth of their need. They weren’t just hungry for food, they were hungry for life—life that he could give them. Therefore, as his disciples, our work of love and ministry to the lost is motivated by deep compassion—compassion that goes beyond the surface and into their hearts and souls.
Our work is constant. Jesus said plainly that “the harvest is plentiful.” Jesus understands his work of love and ministry in farming terms. All those people in need—in need of the kingdom’s message and power of love and truth—are like a field that is waiting to be reaped of its fruit. And with this harvest, there are no off seasons. The fields are constantly being sown and reaped. The gospels don’t portray Jesus as taking long and frequent vacations and breaks. He was constantly reaping the harvest of souls! Therefore, as his disciples, we must understand that our work of love and ministry is always before us—and ready to be reaped.
Our work needs workers. It’s exciting to know that the harvest is plentiful, but the reality that Jesus makes clear is that there are not enough labourers. So, what’s his plan? Prayer. Unfortunately, we often forget what Jesus always knew: the Father listens to and answers our prayers. We ought to always pray that the Father sends out workers of Spirit-empowered love and ministry to the world. But of course, while Jesus encouraged prayer for workers, he didn’t substitute that with his own work. He prayed for workers and worked himself. Even after exhorting his 12 disciples to pray for harvest workers, he himself sends them out to work (Matt. 10:1-15). And then after that, he sends out 72 (Lk. 10:1-20). And if that weren’t enough (it obviously wasn’t), he sends out all of us (Matt. 28:18-20). Therefore, as Jesus’ disciples, our love and ministry to the unbelieving world includes regular prayer for more workers—but always in addition to our own harvest work.
At least these six things help us see the unique nature of our love and ministry to the world. And while we may become overwhelmed and think, “I can’t do that!” that's actually a healthy place to be! Jesus knows we can’t do it. That’s why he united himself to us, and generously poured out his Spirit so that we would be empowered by God himself in this harvest work.
So yes, none of us can do it! It’s too much! Too scary! Too overwhelming!
But thanks to God that he chooses the weak and foolish to accomplish his mighty purposes.