Luke, whom the Apostle Paul referred to as “the beloved doctor,” travelled and worked with the Apostle Paul. He wrote a very thorough account of the story of Jesus to his friend Theophilus. Luke’s Gospel presents Jesus as a man anointed by the Spirit . In his sequel, the book of Acts, he presents the disciples of Jesus as men who were anointed by the Spirit. They were walking in the footsteps of the Lord.
If there is one scripture that I think would sum up the ministry of Jesus it is found in the book of Acts. Here we find Jesus ‘preaching peace’ and ‘doing good’! Jesus was and is all about reconciling people to God and restoring people to health. That is the heartbeat of God—reconciliation and restoration!
The word which He sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, the word, which you know, that was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. —Acts 10:36-38 MEV
Jesus made it clear that He was on divine assignment. He began His ministry with a declaration…
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”—Luke 4:18-19 NLT
For 3 1/2 years Jesus demonstrated the good news to everyone He came in contact with. He set the captives free! This was only the start! At the close of His ministry He passed the torched to us, His church.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!—John 14:12-14 NLT
We have been called to walk in His footsteps. Wow, that sounds like a tall order! But it is a great privilege and adventure to be used by the Lord to bring about reconciliation and restoration in the lives of broken and hurting people, wether they’re “down and outers” or “up and outers.” There is no greater joy than to see people’s lives changed because of an encounter with Jesus!
People are waiting for you and I to share the good news with them! Lord, orchestrate our steps across their paths, we’ll be bold and unashamed to share the Good News!
Jesus said to them, “As you go into all the world, preach openly the wonderful news of the gospel to the entire human race! Whoever believes the good news and is baptized will be saved, and whoever does not believe the good news will be condemned. And these miracle signs will accompany those who believe: They will drive out demons in the power of my name. They will speak in tongues. They will be supernaturally protected from snakes and from drinking anything poisonous. And they will lay hands on the sick and heal them.”—Mark 16:15-18 TPT
When you step out and share the good news, the Lord will back you up! That is exactly what the disciples experienced as they reached their generation.
And the apostles went out announcing the good news everywhere, as the Lord himself consistently worked with them, validating the message they preached with miracle-signs that accompanied them!—Mark 16:20 TPT
Start by making the same declaration Jesus made at the start of His ministry. “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” Amen!
Finish Strong! 