Lesson 34: Authentic Ministry (Luke 7:24-28)

John the Baptist’s ministry was all about Jesus. It was what he had been made for and it is what Jesus Himself focused on when talking about John to the crowds. Pastor Daniel drives home the point that, “authentic, God-exalting ministry is distinguished by its unwavering commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.” One does not need to look far into church culture to find a variety of proposed solutions to the church’s efforts to engage the people both in and out of her pews. Is there a special model to follow, a list of steps, or scientific research that brings an answer? From this passage, with a look at Jesus’s summary of John’s ministry, we receive some incredibly helpful insights. 1) An authentic ministry stands firm in its call to repentance. 2) An authentic ministry values Christ above all else. Finally, 3) an authentic ministry proclaims Christ boldly.

Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff