Jesus didn't wait

I’ve been away the last few weeks working on my next book about the mission of Jesus and the early church. Above is the proof that it was all about long walks on the beach with Saffie.

Here's what I'm learning about what Jesus' ministry looked like . . .

Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to him. He walked from place to place looking for people—on the road, in the market places and in the local synagogues; in private homes, and in public places; by the lake, and in the Temple; at a wedding, and at a funeral; at a banquet with sinners, and a meal with Pharisees.

Where the people were, Jesus went. The good shepherd looking for lost sheep.

Jesus connected with a bewildering array of people. Religious scholars, dishonest tax collectors, unclean lepers, military officers, rulers and beggars, a rich young noble, a demonized pagan, hard working fishermen, wealthy women, shamed prostitutes and adulterers.

He taught and he debated. He listened and he asked questions. He rebuked and he forgave. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons and cleared the Temple.

He taught thousands on the hillsides of Galilee and conversed with a solitary Samaritan woman by a well. He preached in rural village synagogues, and to multitudes of festival pilgrims in Jerusalem.

Jesus went from village to village seeking people out, and thousands came from afar seeking him out.

Movements move.