In what ways can we prioritize fellowship with believers as Jesus did? Jesus’ Simple Pattern: Time Together “After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them and baptized.” – John 3:22 - He did not hurry on to the next miracle or teaching. - He “spent some time” (literally, “tarried”)—lingering, unhurried fellowship. - Baptism shows their shared public identity in God’s family. Make Fellowship a Scheduled Priority - Block out regular, unrushed gatherings (Acts 2:46–47). - Treat small-group nights, coffee meetups, or family meals as non-negotiable appointments, just like Jesus did with His disciples. - Hebrews 10:24–25: “not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.” Share Real Life, Not Just Events - Jesus lived alongside the Twelve—walking, eating, resting (Mark 6:31). - Invite believers into everyday rhythms: errands, workouts, yard work. - 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well.” Center Conversations on the Kingdom - In the countryside, Christ no doubt taught, listened, answered questions (Luke 24:27). - Keep Bibles open at the table; ask, “What’s the Lord teaching you this week?” - Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another.” Serve and Minister Side by Side - Jesus baptized with His disciples—shared ministry, not spectators (John 4:2). - Volunteer together: visit shut-ins, feed the hungry, tutor kids. - Galatians 5:13: “Serve one another in love.” Celebrate the Ordinances Together - Baptism (John 3:22) and the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19) reinforce family bonds. - Invite the church to baptism services; cherish communion as a corporate meal of remembrance and unity (1 Corinthians 10:16–17). Practice Intentional Hospitality - Jesus often lodged in homes (Luke 10:38–39; Mark 2:1–2). - Open your door regularly; simple food is enough. - 1 Peter 4:9: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Guard and Grow Relational Unity - The countryside retreat built trust before public ministry pressures escalated. - Address conflict quickly (Matthew 18:15). - Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Live Out Sacrificial Love - John 15:12–13 looks back to times like John 3:22: “Love one another… greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” - Choose inconvenience for the sake of another believer’s need—rides, babysitting, financial help. Keep Fellowship Missional - Time together prepared the disciples to go out (Mark 3:14). - Spur one another toward evangelism, missions, and multiplication (Acts 13:2–3). In these ways—lingering presence, shared life, Word-centered conversation, joint ministry, and sacrificial love—we follow Jesus’ model from John 3:22 and make fellowship with believers a centerpiece of our walk with Him. |
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