KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:22 KJV “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.”

Our key scripture, says, “after these things”. What things did the word talk about? He was referring to Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus. The Lord was very much involved in both private and public ministries. Nicodemus visited Him, at a night hour. In bible times, there was a twelve-hour day time, beginning from 6am to 6pm.At 6pm it was night, when people went to sleep. Nicodemus came at such a time, yet the Lord had the patience to teach him all that we learnt about in John 3:1-21.

That was a very lengthy discussion yet, the master was very patient to teach him all that he had to know. Acts 20:20 explains the private and public ministries as follows.” And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,”

The scripture in the last paragraph speaks of making every opportunity to share the gospel and the word of God. He said he kept nothing good from any of them, but taught them publicly and from house to house. In the case of Nicodemus, it was Nicodemus who visited Him at His home, yet He taught him so extensively. Let us take time to receive those who come to us, seeking answers for certain questions, and then going out of our way to visit others with the word. After teaching Nicodemus, He left with His disciples to Judea. In Judea his disciples baptized many who came to Him. This was His public ministry.

Every child of God must be involved in both ministries. We must teach people en mass, and teach them on one-on-one basis. In most cases the one-on-one ministry is quite effective. Many of us are not in the front line of our ministries, and therefore may not have great numbers of people to talk to, but we can always have a friend, a neighbour, a relative, or some individual to relate with and share the gospel with them. Apostle Paul said he shared the word from house to house. Get involved with the house-to-house ministry as well.

THOUGHT:  THE FATHER’S BUSINESS, IS SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH OTHERS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Luke 2:49 KJV “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

Acts 20:20 KJV “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,”