Jesus’ Ministry – Then and Now

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. -Acts 1:1

In Acts 10:38, Peter preached about the earthly ministry of Jesus to Cornelius’ household: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; for God was with him.” Did poor old Peter get confused? Jesus was already gone. Why preach about His earthly ministry? His earthly ministry was finished, wasn’t it?

No, Jesus’ earthly ministry was just getting started, because He didn’t really leave the earth. He just ascended to the Father’s right hand to become the Head over all things to the body. (Col. 1:18.)

Jesus is still here, working in us and through us. His earthly ministry didn’t stop or diminish—it multiplied! Jesus told His disciples, “It’s better for you if I go. I’ll pray to the Father, and He’ll send another Comforter to abide with you forever.” (John 14:16.)

He also said, “He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father” (John 14:12).

The last verse of the book of John says, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25). Then in Acts 1:1, the next verse in the Bible, Luke talks about “all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” Luke didn’t say Jesus had finished His ministry; he said Jesus had just gotten started!

God wants us to know that Jesus’ ministry still continues through us. God is the same, Jesus is the same, the Holy Ghost is the same and the Word is the same. Therefore, God’s methods of healing and deliverance will be the same as well.

CONFESSION:

While Jesus walked on the earth, He preached the Word and healed the sick. As I hear God’s Word, I believe it, act on it and receive my healing because Jesus’ ministry is still alive today in me!

From: A Devotional for Divine Health Prescription for a Miracle, Mark Brazee, 1999