Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left Israel and traveled to a Gentile country. This is the only record of him leaving the country of Israel during his ministry. It is contrary to what he taught his disciples (Matthew 10:5-6). This woman was a Gentile (Mark 7:26). Why did Jesus travel here and heal this woman’s daughter when he knew that he “was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel?”
Jesus was not doing his own work, but rather he was joining the Father doing His work (John 5:17, 30).
What is the work of God? John 6:29, John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Tim 2:4
The promise of salvation is to every person in the world. All men are invited to join into God’s plan of salvation (Romans 10:9). This is where it begins. The Love of God draws men to himself (Jer 31:3).
We now can join in the work of God, just as Jesus joined the Father’s work (John 17:18; Phil 2:13-16).
The love of Christ compels us to no longer live for ourselves, but rather to now live for him. John 14:21, 23; 15:9-10; 2 Cor 5:14-15; Gal 2:20
How do you recognize an invitation to join in God’s Work? John 5:19-20, 30; 15:5
Jesus watched and listened to understand where the Father was working.
John 4:3-42
Jesus observed what the Father was doing, and he joined in the Father’s work. “Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest”.
Acts 17:14-34
Paul “observed” the city. His “spirit provoked” him, and he began speaking in the synagogue and in the marketplace “with those who happened to be present.” In the end of this record, one of those who believed was Dionysius “the Areopagite” (meaning he was a member of the court of the Aeropagus). Who set this up so that Paul could reach Dionysius?
Was this something Paul devised, or was this God at work in the city of Athens?
Paul simply joined in God’s work, as he observed the world around him and listened to the working of the spirit.
Acts 18:1-3
Paul’s ministry in Corinth began with Paul joining up with a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, because they were of the same trade. He worked with them.
Why do you live where you live and work where you work?
Do you believe that God had any influence on these areas of your life? If so, why?
Is it strictly for your benefit, or could it be part of God’s plan?
Open your eyes, and watch to see where you can join in His work.
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