What steps can we take to follow Jesus' example of availability to others? Focus Verse “ So Jesus got up and went with him, along with His disciples.” (Matthew 9:19) What We Notice about Jesus’ Availability • He is interruptible—He leaves immediately when Jairus calls. • He includes others—His disciples go with Him, modeling shared ministry. • He trusts the Father’s timing—He does not hurry past interruptions (see vv. 20-22, the woman with the issue of blood). Steps to Follow His Example Today 1. Keep margin in your schedule • Build intentional “white space” so an unexpected need can fit. • Proverbs 3:27—“Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.” 2. View interruptions as divine appointments • Luke 8:46—Jesus stops to address one hurting woman even while on an urgent mission. • Ask, “Whom has God placed in front of me right now?” 3. Walk with others, not just toward tasks • “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) • Invite someone to run errands with you, share a meal, or pray on the spot. 4. Serve humbly, not reluctantly • Mark 10:45—“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” • Choose the posture of a servant before the need arises; then the response comes naturally. 5. Cultivate listening more than lecturing • James 1:19—“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” • Genuine attention often meets a deeper need than quick advice. 6. Engage in practical compassion • James 2:15-16 warns against warm words without warm meals. • Keep a small fund or time slot ready for tangible help. 7. Bring others along • Jesus’ disciples learned availability by experience; invite family or friends to join in acts of service. • Ecclesiastes 4:9—“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Scriptural Mindset that Fuels Availability • Philippians 2:5-7—Adopt Christ’s servant mindset. • Ephesians 5:1-2—Imitate God and walk in love. • Colossians 3:17—Do everything in Jesus’ name, turning ordinary moments into ministry. Common Obstacles and Simple Counters • Busyness → Schedule Sabbath rest and margin. • Fear of inconvenience → Remember eternal impact outweighs temporary discomfort. • Feeling unqualified → Recall that the Holy Spirit equips (Acts 1:8). • Hidden selfishness → Meditate on the cross; Christ gave everything for you. Living It Out This Week • Identify one planned activity where you can invite someone who needs encouragement. • Leave ten extra minutes between appointments and ask God to fill that space as He chooses. • Carry an index card with Mark 10:45; glance at it whenever your day is interrupted. Availability is simply love in real-time. When we walk ready, we echo the Savior who “got up and went.” |
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