MINISTRY OF JESUS THROUGH SUFFERINGS 22/04/11

MINISTRY OF JESUS THROUGH SUFFERINGS

He was treated harshly and afflicted,but He did not even open His mouth.Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block,like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not even open His mouth. Isa53:7.
This message will help you in character building.We could wonder about Jesus how He was able to shut His mouth in so many situations though He was falsely blamed. That is His character.

God has chosen us with a goal. If we want to achieve the goal, we will have to go through many tests, oppositions and trials. When we face them, we should not forget to do the ministry. We are alive in this World to do His ministry, so do not ask why these trials for me? The trials are to continue our ministry. Today, we are going to meditate how we can be blessed seeing the sufferings of the Lord. When we tolerate these sufferings, God gives us grace to do His ministry. When you finish your tests, there is a promotion.

Jesus won satan in the cross and He defeated him, not only He was victorious but also He gives us victory. Even your walk could change a man's life. I once met a man and asked him, how he got saved? He said I know a man who has lot of troubles till I could see a quiet spirit in him as he walks by. And I followed him to his church and I got saved. How is your testimony?

1. Pilate's Amazement:

But when He was accused by the chief priests and the elders, He did not respond. But He did not answer even one accusation, so that the governor was quite amazed.Mat27:12,14

Pilate wondered how Jesus is not answering in the place where He has to answer.How is our reaction when we are falsely blamed? Just think! “He was led like a sheep to slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He did not open his mouth. Acts8:32. Though He was blamed for the things he did not do He kept quiet as He very well-known that He does the God's will. So any accusations and anything other than that did not matter for Him.

We people's argument continues till we justify our side is right. Others should testify about our character and their lives should be changed. Jesus lived a
serene life and amazed the people and let us live like that. Husbands and wives, children and parents should testify about each other.

Prayer:  Lord, I decided,“I will watch what I say and make sure I do not sin with my tongue. I will put a muzzle over my mouth while in the presence of an evil man.” Help me Lord. Amen.

2. Herod's exceeding gladness:

When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see Him, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform some miraculous sign.Lk23:8

When people watch TV serials the crying spirit possess them. We should be in good spirit always as the Holy Spirit dwells in us and grieve not the spirit by being sad. When others see you or talk to you they should feel happy and should be looking forward for the next meet with you. Everyone has things to worry about and our troubles should not affect others and each one will carry His own load. When others see you they should rejoice and should testify truly Your God is the God who gives delight.

Prayer: Lord unto thee do I lift up my soul so rejoice the soul of thy servant and let that joy take hold of everyone who sees me.

3. Pilate- Herod's- Reunion:

That very day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other,for prior to this they had been enemies.Lk23:12

What a wonderful peacemaker He is! even in the sufferings. some christians have the tendancy of stirring up strives between people or two parties. But always remember we have to give account foer everything we do. Pilate and Herod were enemies but they became friends because of Jesus.

I was a co-ordinator of a big organisation for two years, no one will continue in that position after one year. But I had a thirst of doing something for the organisation when I am there. Two big churches kept a meeting on the same day at the same time planning that either believers should not go to the other church. I wanted to solve this problem as I have the authority to involve in that matter and I used that power and by God's grace I was able to make peace between them. And one of that church was ready to change the dates and people were able to attend both the meetings. We should be peace-makers.

Prayer: Lord, Help me to be a peace maker.

4.Pilate's passion: 
 
Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not from this world. If My kingdom were from this world, My servants would be fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities.But as it is, My kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked,“What is truth?”Jn18:36,38

Pilate had a passion to know the truth. All expected Jesus will open His mouth now but He did not. People should be eager to listen to you. You should not be boring anyone with your speech. God is going to make our speech very precious and interesting. So many political leaders and others are going to ask us, "
From where did you receive this wisdom?" God  will help us to preach the gospel in such an interesting manner.

Prayer: Lord, Give me the words along with the wisdom that none of Your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict as You have promised.Amen.

5. Thief's - Transformation:

Then He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth,today you will be with Me in paradise.”Lk23:42,43.Jesus did not speak out about His righteousness yet the thief confess about His righteousness and asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. so the gift instant promotion. He did not take baptism (as
he was nailed in the cross). People who sees your life should spiritually grow, Lord wants youto live an examplary life. We should be transformed first to make others life to be transformed through our life.

Prayer: Lord, Let my attitude be always good before you and others and let my life direct others life towards you. Amen.