Spend Time with People

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 24, 2024 | John 3:22

KEY VERSE:

After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. John 3:22 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

The Lord has just finished spending time with Nicodemus and verse 22 says: “After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. John 3:22 (NIV). The Lord loved people and we see Him throughout His earthly ministry doing this. In one instant it is Nicodemus, in another it is the woman at the well of Sychar, in another it is little children, blind individuals, abandoned lepers, multitudes etc.

The Lord loved to spend time with His disciples, and He did that intentionally and used it as time to pass on to those who were drawing near to Him what the Kingdom of God was about and how to live the Kingdom life. As beneficiaries of the Kingdom of God, we have a duty to pass on to other people our knowledge of the Kingdom and our belief in its reliability.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Do you have time for people generally, and do people feel at home with and around you? The most important network of people God gives us is the immediate family. Sometimes we get so busy with work and even ministry that we fail to spend time with those who should be nearest to us. Are you spending time with people, and with your nearest people?

PRAYER:

Lord, what a people-lover you are. I wonder why I am not always like you. Whatever my reasons, may I learn to love people and spend quantity and quality time with them, especially those who are nearest to me. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: SPEND TIME

 The Greek word used for "spend time" in John 3:22 is "διατρίβω" (diatribo), derived from the root "διά" (dia), meaning "through," and "τρίβω" (tribo), meaning "to rub, wear away, or spend time." The compound word conveys the idea of spending time thoroughly or extensively, often in a particular place. Throughout the Gospels, we see numerous examples of Jesus spending time with various individuals, such as the woman at the well (John 4), Zacchaeus (Luke 19), and His disciples (Mark 3:14). In each encounter, Jesus demonstrated compassion, love, and a genuine interest in people's lives, illustrating the importance of relational ministry and personal engagement.

In the context of John 3:22, "διατρίβω" portrays Jesus and His disciples lingering or tarrying in the Judean countryside. This suggests a deliberate and purposeful engagement in ministry activities, taking the time to minister to the needs of the people they encountered. In applying this understanding, believers are encouraged to emulate Jesus' example of intentional ministry and discipleship. Just as Jesus spent time investing in the lives of others, we are called to prioritize relational ministry, making time to engage with people, share the gospel, and disciple others in the ways of Christ. Reflections:

How can we follow Jesus' example of intentional ministry and discipleship in our own lives, making time to invest in relationships and share the gospel with others?