How Did Jesus Prepare for Ministry?

This post was from my notes taken at our Bible Study on Sunday Mornings.

Jesus Preparing for the Day

Our Bible Study centered around Jesus being the Vine, and we are the branches, but Jesus had roots in His Father God and always listened to obey what was required of him.

For Jesus to abide in the Father it was necessary to do certain things.  Especially to spend time in a secret quiet place with His father God.

1.  Prayer:  Early in the morning Jesus prayed to get the plan for the day.  Mark 1:35  Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

2. He Prepared:  John 15:1-17  Jesus knew there was life flowing from His Father God, as he chose to abide in Him. 

What does the word "Abide" cause us to think about?  Perhaps: to remain, stay, lodge, sojourn, continue, endure, wait patiently.

3. Fasting:  Jesus fasted for forty days as He prepared for his ministry.  The Bible does not record a second long fast, but it was many times Jesus went without eating because his meat was to do the will of the Father.

4. Forgive:  Jesus taught us to walk in forgiveness if we desire to be used of God.  Jesus taught not to forgive 7 times but 7 times 70 which was to say, always be ready to forgive again no matter what the count.

5.  Celebrate:  Luke 15:3-10  Rejoice and be glad when sinners come to Jesus.  Be happy when the Lost have been found. 

6.  Memorize scriptures:  John 7:15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”   

(As a young child of 12 years old, Jesus knew the scriptures.  No doubt he was taught at home, but he also regularly attended Synagogue and always listened and asked questions.)  We can learn a lot by listening to anointed ministers and teachers and personal bible study.

We are encouraged by David in the Psalms 119:11;  To hide God's word in our hearts that we might not sin against God.

7.  Submission:  Jesus said in John 6:38  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Jesus was willing to go to the cross in submission to God's plan of Salvation for you and me.

As we consider sharing our testimony with others, often our words fall on deaf spiritual ears.  Stubborn hard hearts are not willing to hear.

Often our life style will speak louder than our words.  People watch then they listen.

When you do a kind deed, they may ask; "Why are you doing this?"   Or they may ask; "Why do you attend church and meetings?"

Understand a question may be answered.  They asked and now are open to listen.  At times we have no idea what God is doing, and at times like that it is time to trust.

Be prepared and follow what Jesus did to get ready to minister.  You will discover changes in you that will bless not only you, but others as well.