6 marks of those who serve Jesus

 Read Matthew 10.

At the end of chapter nine, Jesus revealed His view of ministry to people.  He saw it as a plentiful harvest.  Ecclesiastes 3:2 states that there is "a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."  This was a time to reap.  But also in Jesus' view the harvest was in serious need of laborers.  So, He asked those closest to Him to pray that God would send out workers to minister to the needs of the people.  Then, He sent the very ones whom He asked to pray.

What follows are the details of the authority Jesus gave to these twelve men.  It becomes obvious that such authority and empowerment was unique to those named in verses 2-4.  They not only were given the ability to cast out demons but "to heal every disease and every affliction," including raising the dead (v.8).  And, they were to serve without pay (vv.9-10).  However, there are elements of serving the Lord that apply to every Christian.

1. See. (9:37)
Serving the Lord begins with seeing the world as God sees it.  The needs of people are everywhere and overwhelming.  How do you see the people around you?

2. Pray. (9:38)
Jesus' prayer request to His followers was to pray for the harvest of people, and specifically, that the Lord would send out laborers into that harvest.  How are you praying for the harvest?

3.  Listen. (10:1)
He personally called them to Himself.  All service for God begins with a call to a personal, growing relationship with Jesus.  To whom are you listening for life direction?

4. Go. (10:5-24)
When Jesus called their names, they were ready to be sent.  He gave them instructions as to what to say and what to do.  He warned them of the problems and dangers ahead.  Are you ready to go wherever God wants to send you?

5. Commitment. (10:25-39)
Serving Jesus could cost them their lives and will cost them relationships.  Believers are in a spiritual war.  Proclaiming that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and that no one goes to heaven without faith in Him is divisive.  "Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."  He encouraged them to not fear because their spiritual work was more important than what may happen to them physically or socially.  How committed are you?

6. Rewards. (vv.40-42)
At the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), followers of Jesus will be rewarded for their service.  That is the only true evaluation of the success of any laborer in the harvest.  There are various types of rewards, but the greatest will be to hear the Father's voice saying "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25).  Is that your overarching life goal?