Strategic Discipleship
Zacchaeus was a tax collector who was unpopular among the people. When Jesus decided to go to his home, the people did not approve. “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”” (Luke 19:7) But Jesus’s decision to go with Zacchaeus produced a positive outcome. “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”” (Luke 19:8) Not only did Zacchaeus surrender his life to God and receive salvation, but he redistributed his wealth to those in need.
Jesus once stopped in the city of Samaria to minister to a woman who was an adulterer. His disciples were puzzled about why he was talking to the woman, as the Jews traditionally had no dealings with the Samaritans. After Jesus concluded his ministry to the woman, she ran to spread his message to the people in her town. Because of this woman’s testimony, many Samaritans met Jesus and believed and received salvation. ““Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him.” (John 4:29-30)
We see a similar narrative when Jesus travelled to the country of the Gerasenes and healed the man possessed with legions. The man begged Jesus to allow him to travel with him. Jesus declined his offer and directed him towards another assignment. ““Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8:39)
Throughout his ministry, Jesus reached out to disciple those who people considered among the worst of sinners. These were people who others had given up on as being beyond redemption. What was amazing, was how powerful their testimony was in bringing others to Christ. The Samaritan woman was won by the realisation that Jesus felt that she was worthy to be ministered to despite her failures. The man of Gerasenes had probably given up on being set free. His freedom first made him want to follow Jesus and then his testimony was powerful enough to transform a city.
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
December 21, 2020December 21, 2020
