We’re part of a team
This past Saturday, we cooked Brunswick Stew. It’s a hearty soup made from beef, chicken, and a variety of vegetables. Stew is warm and filling on a cold winter night. Making 1000 quarts of stew requires a lot of people. We’re part of a team.
Our team has lots of members–planners, organizers, leaders, followers–all hard workers contributing their time and talent to the project of creating a tasty product that is beneficial to our community while also supporting future mission projects of our church.
Jesus had a team
But, long before Jesus formed His team, God set the plan in motion for our Lord and Savior to accomplish. Our Father is the Master Planner.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)
Jesus brings Light to a dark world. As part of God’s plan, Jesus worked to put His Father’s love into action–He brought light, love, and salvation to a lost world.
How did Jesus recruit His team? He used planning and organization. Part 1 of “We’re part of a team” invites discussion on how our Savior gathered His team of disciples and how these strategies apply to our lives.
Jesus had a plan.
He knew His mission. Jesus understood the plan His Father had destined for Him. In Nazareth, He read from the scroll of Isaiah:
“The Spirit of the Lord is one me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Following His reading, Jesus informed those in attendance, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:20)
Jesus knew His purpose on Earth and He had the plan to fulfill that purpose.
Jesus used organization as He gathered His team of workers.
Our Lord needed helpers to complete His mission. Near the Sea of Galilee, people gathered to hear Jesus teach. Observing two boats near the water’s edge, He got into one and asked Simon Peter to put out from shore. After finishing His message to the people, Jesus asked Simon to go into deep water and fish.
Simon Peter expressed reluctance, but answered:
“Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5)
Simon Peter, along with James and John, the Sons of Zebedee, caught a tremendous amount of fish.
Simon and his companions were amazed, overwhelmed, and terrified by this man who filled their fishing nets to the breaking point.
God gifted Jesus with the skills He needed to recruit His team.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:10b-11)
Early in His ministry, Jesus recruited the first members of His team and gathered others as His work of Earth continued.
To be part of His plan we need to:
- Be obedient–answer His call
- Trust in God’s plan
- Follow His plan faithfully–even through the hard times
Are you a part of Team Jesus, participating in His plan to share light and love with others? How were you recruited? Can you suggest strategies to recruit other members of our Lord’s team to share the Good News of Jesus?
In Part 2 next week, we’ll focus on the examples Jesus has shown us involving leadership and the importance of being a follower.
God doesn’t call us to sit. The Church is a team with work God planned for us to do.
Yes! You express that so well, Nancy–“The Church is a team with work God planned for us to do.” Thank you for sharing.
What a privilege to share on a team with Jesus as team leader.
Oh, yes! I agree, Diana. We are so blessed to be part of Team Jesus. He’s the best team leader of all.
Jesus is the best leader as we work on His team to see people saved. Your stew sounds delicious!
What a blessing to be a part of His team. Jesus will guide and mentor us each step of the journey. Thank you, Lisa.
Team Jesus – I love being on His team. I’m usually recruited by following my heart.
Part of “Team Jesus?” I thought about that and said to myself, “Aren’t we all supposed to be?” Of course, there are some who want to be a part of the team but never want to get out of the dugout or off the bench (er, pew). How was I recruited? How am I compelled to “DO”? I think that answer is the Holy Spirit. I suspect He calls all of us to serve as part of the team, but not all obey. Great points, wonderful insights. I can’t wait for next week’s post ma’am.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, J.D. Just as with any “team” the church has those who don’t want to put in the effort to be at their best and aren’t willing to be a support to other team members. We are blessed to have Jesus as our team leader, but our membership on His team is a call to work–to go to the ends of the Earth to spread the Good News of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Thank you for your encouragement, my friend. You are a blessing
I love Brunswick stew! It’s so important to be part of a community of believers (team). We are only a part of one body. It takes all of us to be whole and accomplish the mission.
Thank you for sharing your insight, Terri. Yes, as part of the body of Christ, we are called to be a part of His mission. We can each make a difference. Peace and blessings.
Love the idea of Team Jesus. It speaks to my heart. There are a lot of things I’d like to do in my life, but to be part of Team Jesus tops all of the rest. Thanks Katherine.
Me, too, Sylvia. He’s with us every step of our journey. Peace and blessings.
Lots of good insights here, Katherine! Thank you for your faithfulness in challenging us through your blog.
Thank you, Kathy. I’m so grateful for your kindness and encouragement. May God continue to bless your writing and ministry in service to Him.
As I read the account of Jesus choosing His team, I’m struck by how specifically He chose each one. And the same is true of us. We have been chosen and gifted to carry out our part of the plan. What a privilege!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Annie. You’ve pointed out that Jesus chose His disciples, imperfect as they were, because He had a specific purpose in mind for them. They were each unique and had gifts to share with others in service to Jesus–as do we. We are blessed to be chosen, and blessed to be given the tools and talents to serve our Lord. And He is with us every step of the journey. Awesome!