CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE IN CHRIST MINISTRIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY ON YOUTUBE
Luke 9:49-50
In Luke 9:49 we learn that one of the twelve disciples, John, informs Jesus that they have found someone who was healing the demon-possessed in the name of Jesus. The twelve disciples told the man to stop doing such things because he was not one of the twelve disciples. In Luke 9:50 Jesus informs his disciples that others who are proclaiming the name of Jesus are not doing wrong but are helping them in the ministry of sharing the Gospel.
This is an example that sharing the Gospel is not just intended for the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Himself, but that all who believe in Him are chosen by Him and are included in sharing His love.
This is an example that salvation in Jesus is not exclusive, but inclusive.
Jesus declared in John 15:16 (NKJV), “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” When Jesus died on the cross, He died with His arms open to the world. He died with an everlasting invitation to everyone to repent of sin and receive salvation in Him. According to John 19:30, the last words of Jesus as He hung on the cross is that He has completed the work that He has come to do. In John 3:17 we learn that Jesus came to save the world from sin.
Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the grave for our forgiveness (Romans 4:23-25). This is inclusive for everyone (the world, John 3:17), and that includes you and me.
We all have a personal testimony of how God is and has been working in our lives as we put our trust in Him and submit our will to seek His will for our lives. We should all share this with our family and friends and see how Jesus will work in the lives of others by working through us.
Dear Lord,
Help us to see that it is not just the priest or pastor at our Church that is responsible to share Your Word in spreading the Gospel of Jesus and the kingdom of heaven. It is the responsibility of everyone who has accepted that Jesus died for our sins, and that through what He has done on the cross, we have forgiveness in Him; for everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Please help us to let the light of Jesus shine through each of us in doing our part to share the Gospel. In Jesus name I pray, amen.