In the New Testament there is a fine distinction between teaching and preaching. The preacher is described as more of a “herald” (see 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11). He is to herald forth the good news, much as a town crier would enthusiastically announce good news. Good teaching will have some aspects of heralding about it, and it should involved some motivation and application. Good preaching will certainly involve teaching also, but preaching does not stop there. Preaching also involves a dynamic that strongly calls for actions, whether it is a call to repentance and faith, a call to service, or a call to carry the Gospel to others.
Curtis Thomas

10 THE MANY AND THE FEW

10 THE MANY AND THE FEW F O O T ================================

  • H O L D

READING

10 THE MANY AND THE FEW

PRAY Fill my mind with your wisdom today, Lord God. (Psalm 51:6).

READ Mark 3:1-19.

THINK What do these events teach us about Jesus and about people in general? What was it that made the crowds so keen to follow him? —————————————————————— FOCUS THE MANY (7-12). After the incident in the synagogue (meeting house) (1-6), Jesus withdrew to the lakeside. Imagine the scene as crowds of people from far and near (8) pushed forward to see him. What did Jesus do to avoid being crushed (9)? The key words are ‘was doing’ (8), ‘healed’ (10), ‘fall down’ (11). So what was attracting the crowds was mostly the miracles and wonders that Jesus performed, rather than the truths which he was teaching. Not surprising. But probably their interest did not go beyond the sensational happenings. THE FEW (13-19). The scene changes to the quiet of the hillside. Visualise the small group of twelve men, individually invited by the Lord (13,14). Today, millions of people know their names; but at that time they were unknown, except to Jesus. Yet this handful was Christ’s answer to the needs of the vast crowds. And a very mixed bunch they were – ranging from rough fishermen like Peter to Matthew, the worldly-wise tax collector. And they also included a potential traitor! The people whom Jesus calls to serve him today are still just as varied in their personalities, their experiences and their backgrounds. And his way of preparing us is still the same. First we must spend time with Jesus (14). It is from him that we get our comfort and our encouragement, our orders and the strength to carry them out. —————————————————————— PRAY Help me, Lord, to spend time learning from you so that I may be able to serve you better. ==========