Jesus didn’t teach from afar. He personally and relationally among the people he ministered to. Some he knew well: He cried with them, laughed with them, ate with them, traveled with them. Sometimes we forget that there were others beyond the twelve disciples who traveled with Jesus. After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3).
Other people he met for just a moment, but he touched them in that moment in a way that had lifelong impact: Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (Matt 9:20-22)
Look at some of the examples below to see just a taste of the ways Jesus lived among those whom he served:
- Jesus went to parties; he was responsive to where he was invited (Mark 2:15-16, Luke 7:36).
- Jesus did ministry wherever the people were–on the street, in homes, in the market, in the temple courts, by the lake (Luke 7:11-12, Luke 7:36-50, Mark 6:56, Matt 13:1-2, Matt 21:23)
Highlighted teachings: John 1, Ezekiel 37:27, Rev. 21:3