Jesus Listened to the Father and Blessed Needy Individuals — Zac Poonen — April 7, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
Jesus demonstrated a pattern of focusing on individuals rather than just large crowds, often being led by the Father in his actions. The speaker emphasizes that true Christian service requires obedience and waiting for the Lord's prompting, rather than being driven by personal need or ambition. He encourages developing the daily habit of opening one's heart to hear God's guidance first thing in the morning.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did Jesus heal only one man at the pool of Bethesda?Out of a multitude of sick people at the pool, Jesus healed only one man because He was led by the Father in everything He did rather than following a rigid human rule to heal everyone.
How Jesus began His day listening to the FatherJesus woke up every morning with His inner ear awakened to listen to the Father as a disciple, allowing Him to be guided to needy people.Isaiah 50:4
Anointed to minister to the poor and outcastsJesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel specifically to the poor, captives, blind, and oppressed who are ignored by society.Luke 4:18
Avoiding personal favoritism in the assemblyJames explicitly rebukes the church for showing favoritism to the rich while dishonoring the poor, whom God has chosen to be rich in faith.
Healing the demon-possessed man among the tombsJesus crossed the sea to heal a severely tormented man possessed by a legion of demons, even though the local townspeople begged Him to leave because their pigs were more important to them.
Walking a full day to help a Gentile woman's daughterJesus walked a long distance to the region of Tyre to test and reward the humble faith of a Canaanite woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit.
Bringing salvation to Zaccheus the rich tax collectorThough Zaccheus was rich, he was needy and hungry to see Jesus, prompting the Lord to stay at his house and inspire true repentance and restitution.
Fulfilling every part of the Old Testament lawJesus declared that not the smallest letter or stroke of the law will pass away until all is accomplished, teaching the importance of obeying even the least of God's commandments.
Handling the woman caught in adulteryWhen confronted with a woman caught in adultery, Jesus waited on the Father, challenged her accusers with sinless integrity, and chose not to condemn her.
Letting mercy triumph over judgmentBelievers are encouraged to remember that mercy triumphs over judgment, mirroring how God deals mercifully with those who show mercy to others.James 2:13
Practicing the habit of hearing God's voiceJust as a musician develops perfect pitch through years of practice, believers must practice being constantly alert to the promptings of the Holy Spirit throughout the day.
Choosing the one thing needful to build the churchInstead of seeking fame or running to large crowds, the speaker chose to obey the Lord's leading to small groups to plant New Testament churches.
God can use anyone who makes themselves availableNo one is too weak or unqualified for God to use; ordinary individuals and children can bring others to Christ simply by being available and sharing His love.
The surprising first witness of the resurrectionIn God's wisdom, Mary Magdalene—a woman delivered from seven demons—was chosen as the very first person to witness the risen Lord at the dawn of the new creation.
