Topical Bible: Love to Christ: Manifested in Ministering to Him

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The concept of love for Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, and it is often expressed through acts of service and ministry. This love is not merely an emotional or abstract affection but is demonstrated through tangible actions that reflect devotion and obedience to Jesus Christ. The Berean Standard Bible provides several passages that illustrate how love for Christ is manifested in ministering to Him.

Biblical Examples of Ministering to Christ

1. Mary of Bethany: One of the most poignant examples of ministering to Christ is found in the account of Mary of Bethany. In John 12:3 , it is recorded, "Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." Mary's act of anointing Jesus was a profound expression of her love and devotion, demonstrating her willingness to give generously and sacrificially.

2. The Women at the Tomb: The women who went to Jesus' tomb after His crucifixion also exemplify love manifested in ministering to Him. In Mark 16:1 , it states, "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus." Their dedication to caring for Jesus, even after His death, highlights their unwavering love and commitment.

3. The Disciples' Service: The disciples' ministry to Jesus during His earthly ministry is another example. In Luke 22:28 , Jesus acknowledges their service, saying, "You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials." Their companionship and support during His ministry were acts of love and loyalty.

Principles of Ministering to Christ

1. Service to Others as Service to Christ: Jesus taught that ministering to others is equivalent to ministering to Him. In Matthew 25:40 , He says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." This principle underscores the idea that acts of kindness, charity, and service to others are expressions of love for Christ.

2. Obedience to His Commands: Love for Christ is also demonstrated through obedience to His teachings. In John 14:15 , Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This obedience is a form of ministry, as it involves living out the values and principles that Jesus taught.

3. Proclamation of the Gospel: Sharing the message of Christ is another way to minister to Him. In Matthew 28:19-20 , the Great Commission calls believers to "go and make disciples of all nations." This mission is an act of love, as it seeks to spread the knowledge and love of Christ to others.

The Role of the Church

The Church, as the body of Christ, plays a vital role in facilitating and encouraging the manifestation of love for Christ through ministry. The early Church in Acts 2:42-47 provides a model of communal living and service, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This collective ministry was an expression of their love for Christ and each other.

Conclusion

While a conclusion is not provided, it is evident that love for Christ is deeply intertwined with acts of service and ministry. Through biblical examples and teachings, believers are called to express their love for Jesus in practical and meaningful ways, reflecting His love to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 27:55
And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Work and the Life
... The spirit of Christ in the heart is like a spring in the desert, flowing to refresh
all and making those who are ... Love to Jesus will be manifested in a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 9 the work and.htm

Judas
... up his worldly ambition or his love of money. ... This, a year before the betrayal, Christ
declared ... Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 76 judas.htm

In what Manner Christ Shall Deliver up the Kingdom to God, Even ...
... Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, shall ... the world," unless this,
that I have manifested to the eyes even of sinners who love this world ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 10 in what manner christ.htm

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the ...
... had not so manifested the infinite fulness of love. ... the work he was about
required,"manifested to reproach ... and a great point of Christ's humiliation,"that ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi for what the.htm

Barriers Broken Down
... Inspired by a mother's love, she determined to present her ... Christ did not immediately
reply to the woman's request ... deal with such distress, as manifested by His ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 43 barriers broken down.htm

A Servant of Servants
... All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything
for ... grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 71 a servant of.htm

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
... Now, God in a wonderful way manifested his preference concerning the gifts ... hold up
the sublime example, or pattern, of God's love manifest in Christ. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/second sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

Christ Cleansing the Temple
... its defects, that there were no love worthy of ... dark capacity of wrath, and that Christ
Himself would ... the sympathising Gladdener which He manifested Himself as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christ cleansing the temple.htm

Levi-Matthew
... in idle mourning, in mere bodily humiliation and multitudinous sacrifices, is the
true spirit of devotion manifested, but it ... The love of Christ will animate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 28 levi-matthew.htm

St. Ambrose Returns Again to the Subject of Christ...
... of the will, which he shows was manifested in Peter's ... lastly points out what a minister
of Christ and specially ... being longed for, worthy, too, of love, for His ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x st ambrose returns.htm