And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (Matthew 9:35)
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He operated in all five ministry gifts, or offices, at the same time.
His ministry was different because He was an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher all at the same time. Jesus had the Spirit without measure; we operate by the Spirit with a measure. In other words, we are generally given a specific area that we are anointed and called to operate in when it comes to a ministry office. I stand in multiple offices, but not all five.
Although Jesus operated in all five offices, He demonstrated how we should minister to people with the ministry gifts on our lives. If churches followed Jesus' example, we would see many more manifestations of the power of God.
First, Jesus taught in the synagogues. He made sure that his listeners’ minds were renewed and could receive all that God had for them.
Second, Jesus preached the good news that God’s will could now be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Third, Jesus healed every sickness and disease that was among them.
The local church should follow Jesus’ pattern. Teach first, preach second; then everyone should be able to receive healing.
Practical Application – Teaching and preaching are not an assignment for pastors alone. God has given you influence in the lives of those around you so you can tell them the truth of the Gospel and encourage them to participate in what God is doing today.
Matthew 4:23; Acts 1:35