Encounters With Jesus – Part 4 (Lessons in Life-Management 360)

John 1:1-2 NKJV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. 

John 1:14 NKJV And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us… 

Jesus was that word that became flesh and dwelt among us. He was on the earth for 33 years; his public ministry spanned about three years. He preached, healed, and cast out demons. Before he was tried and crucified, He declares in prayer to his Father: “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4 (NLT).

What a testimony! In today’s message, I want to challenge us to continue to “encounter” Him thru the Word… the Word that was with God and the Word that was God.

The book of Mark is a busy book; it portrays Jesus as a Suffering Servant. From the very first chapter, life is in high gear. In fact, the word “immediately” is used 17 times in the KJV of the book of Mark. 

The challenge with life– in Jesus’ day and now– is that it is multi-faceted. It is like a stool with a base and four legs. 

The base is the foundation, and for Christians, that foundation must be the Word of God. The “legs” are the key aspects or pillars of life: Physical, Relational, Emotional, and Financial. You can’t totally focus on perfecting one “leg” or one aspect of your “life stool” at a time. That would be detrimental to the other parts. They must all be managed simultaneously if you are to have a fulfilled, quality life that glorifies God. 

Let’s see how Jesus Managed His life:

POINT #1: JESUS MANAGED HIS PRIORITIES

Example 1:

Jesus knew that that His communion with God was foundational to His quality of life and His effectiveness in fulfilling His purpose, so He was intentional in keeping the main thing the main thing.

Mark 1:35-38 NKJV Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” 

• MORAL OF THE STORY: Know your purpose and stay focused in your pursuit of it!

Example 2:

Luke 12:13-14 NLT Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 

• MORAL OF THE STORY: Refuse to let others pull you out of your lane.

POINT #2: JESUS MANAGED HIS PHYSICAL HEALTH

EXAMPLE: Jesus emphasized rest as a spiritual and physical necessity.

Mark 6:30-32 NKJV Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. 

POINT #3: JESUS MANAGED HIS RELATIONSHIPS

Jesus kept His relationships in perspective:

• FAMILY:

Mark 3:31-35 NKJV Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.” But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” 

• FOLLOWERS

1. MULTITUDE: He showed compassion for them, but often distanced Himself to refuel spiritually & physically.

Matthew 9:36 NKJV “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” 

2. DISCIPLES: He nurtured their development

Mark 4:34 NKJV But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples. 

3. INNER CIRCLE (Peter, James, John): He shared some of His greatest moments of glory with them. These three witnessed Jesus raise Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Luke 8:49-56); agonize over his impending crucifixion in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-38), and His transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3).

Everyone needs relationships where they can be vulnerable, be honest, confess their faults or vulnerabilities to others, know that people are rejoicing with them in their victories, and sharing their burdens. We see Jesus model them all as we encounter Him in the Word.

CONCLUSION

At the end of his life, Jesus said: “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. JOHN 17:4 NLT. Can you honestly say TODAY: “FATHER, I’M DOING EVERYTHING YOU TOLD ME TO DO; NOTHING MORE; NOTHING LESS”?

YOU WILL GET CLARITY FOR YOUR LIFE’S PRIORITIES WHEN YOU “ENCOUNTER” the Word. Let these encounters inform your thoughts and behavior for every aspect of your life stool.

EACH TIME YOU OPEN YOUR BIBLE, BEGAN TO SEE IT AS AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD, JESUS, THE HOLY SPIRIT…

© Deborah Pegues, 2023