As you know, in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the Bible describes how Jesus went from place to place ministering to people. For example, in Matthew 9:35, the Bible says, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”
Great multitudes began following Jesus everywhere because of the works He was doing among the people. Then after His death, burial, and resurrection, God revealed His plan of salvation and redemption for all mankind. In fact, Peter and others were emboldened to proclaim the Good News of what Jesus paid for on our behalf.
In one place, Peter explained, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38). We could say it this way:
Jesus went about doing good and handing out samples!
Yes He did! Think about it… Redemption was paid for at the cross. This means everything tied to salvation (eternal life, healing, wisdom, righteousness, etc.) was paid for when Jesus died for our sins. So this means, everything He did up to that point was only a SAMPLE of things to come!
Follow me on this. I’m going to use the word samples to illustrate how powerful this understanding is.
- “When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty [samples]?'” (Matthew 13:54).
- “And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, ‘Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty [samples] are performed by His hands!'” (Mark 6:2).
- “Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty [samples] they had seen” (Luke 19:37).
- “Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe. The [samples] that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me'” (John 10:25).
I could give example after example, but hopefully you’re getting the picture. The word I replaced with samples in each of these scriptures is simple the word works. Jesus said the “works” that He did (healing, forgiving sins, etc.) were all just a taste of what was to come.
But here’s the biggest revelation of all: Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the [samples] that I do he will do also; and greater [samples] than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12). This is why YOU AND I are anointed to do great works!
God is still handing out samples to the lost!
It’s His calling card for eternal life!
But this also explains why the devil attacks God’s children with fear, insecurity, and ignorance. He knows that if he can squelch our boldness, he can cut down the amount of samples that are being offered. And thus, slow down the work of God in general.
But no more! I hope this encourages your faith! You have something to give to everyone. Your sample of love, grace, peace, wisdom, faith, or hope, are all tools God uses to reach others.
So don’t give up. Be an extension of Jesus today and keep up the good work of handing out samples for everyone!
