Did Jesus always minister in rural areas? How does He reach cities? Is the method still relevant for us today? Everything is peeled from God’s words in the Bible.
Many Christians say that urban ministry is difficult. It cannot be denied that urban evangelism has its own challenges: (1) The pace of life is so fast that we ask, “Will they have time to take part in this activity?”; (2) Various groups and societal identities that seem to require us to learn different approach methods; and (3) Multiple crises of need that can make us feel hopeless in helping. Have you ever thought about or experienced these things?
Let us learn from the Ministry of Jesus, our Savior, Himself. Did Jesus always minister in rural areas? How does He reach cities? Is the method still relevant for us today? Everything is peeled from God’s words in the Bible.
The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry
Some imagine Jesus spending his entire life in small towns and wandering in the wilderness. However, this image of Jesus and His world is not true at all.
Indeed, at the beginning of His ministry, Jesus spent a lot of time in the region of Galilee where parables with rural themes were often told: the sower and the seed, the wheat and the weeds, and the lilies of the field.
Jesus’ Ministry in the Cities
However, Jesus’ ministry was mostly focused on cities in Palestine. Modern scholars believe that the city of Jerusalem at that time was growing rapidly and had a population of between 55,000 and 90,000 people.
Matthew 9:35. So Jesus went about all the cities and villages; He taught in the synagogues and preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven and eliminated all disease and infirmity.
Matthew 11:1. After Jesus finished giving his twelve disciples a message, he went from there to teach and preach the gospel in their cities.
Luke 13:22. Then Jesus walked around from city to city and from village to village, teaching and continuing his journey to Jerusalem.
Jesus’ Strategy in Urban Ministry
- Jesus sent His disciples to preach in the cities
Jesus always started His mission with what little he had, not necessarily tens or hundreds of people. He sent His disciples two by two to enter anywhere: people’s homes or public places. He reminded them to show good character and manners. And, their message or ministry is simply focused on the Kingdom of God and sharing love. Even if they receive rejection, they must be able to move on and continue the mission elsewhere.
Matthew 10:5, 11-14. The twelve disciples were sent by Jesus and He told them: “Do not deviate into the way of other nations or enter a Samaritan city,… When you enter a city or a village, look for a worthy person there and stay with him until you depart. When you enter someone’s house, greet them. If they are worthy of receiving it, your greetings descend on them, if not, your greetings return to you. And if someone does not receive you and does not listen to your words, go out and leave that house or city and shake the dust from your feet.
Luke 10:1, 8-16. Then from that the Lord appointed seventy other disciples, then sent them two by two ahead of Him to every city and place He wanted to visit…And if you enter a city and you are received there, eat what is served to you, and heal the sick who are there and say to them: The kingdom of God is near you. But if you enter a city and you are not received there, go to the streets of the city and cry: Even the dust of your city that sticks to our feet, we are numb before you; but know this: the kingdom of God is near. I tell you: on that day Sodom will be lighter than that city.”
- Jesus established many small Christian communities throughout the Roman empire
The word “church” in the New Testament is ekklēsia, meaning meeting or gathering; a community and not a church building (Acts 19:32-41). There is no evidence of the existence of a church building until the fourth century.
As in Antioch, Christians there stand apart from the culture around them in their beliefs and values, but they involve the culture around them in their daily lives and work.
Acts 11:22,26; 13:1. So news about them reached the congregation in Jerusalem, and the congregation sent Barnabas to Antioch… They remained with the congregation for a year, teaching many people. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians…At that time in the congregation at Antioch there were several prophets and teachers, namely: Barnabas and Simeon who were called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Menahem who was brought up together with the tetrarch Herod, and Saul.
Today’s Relevance
- The ministry of Jesus and His disciples in urban areas was considered dynamic.
Taking the opportunity that exists, wherever, short or long, the seeds of the truth about love and the Kingdom of Heaven must be planted.
- More than the method of service, the person serving must be able to make a good impression on the people they meet.
People with integrity and good manners are more sought after and can be trusted. It would be even more wonderful if there were many such communities to be found in urban areas, such as the congregation in Antioch.
Can we revive the reputation of the early Christians today? Jesus’ strategy is a pattern that we should follow. Jesus’ ministry should be a model for our engagement with the world.
