Green: ministry: function or office?

Saturday, November 28, 2015
Meditation:
    Then the devil leaveth [Jesus], and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
    —Matthew 4:11 (KJV)
Quotation:
    In the New Testament, ministry was a function, not a status. When we talk of the Christian ministry today, we instinctively think of a man ordained to the ‘ministry’ of Word and Sacrament. The New Testament knows nothing of any such distinction. All Christians are called to serve Christ, all are called to ministry, diakonia. The word is applied to Jesus, to Paul, as well as to administrative helpers at Ephesus and Philippi. It is used both of apostles praying and teaching, and of assistants serving tables. Jesus made it plain that he was fulfilling the role of the Servant of the Lord, and that his followers were called to carry out that same pattern of service... The Christian ministry is coextensive with the Christian Church.
    ... Michael Green (b. 1930), “Mission and Ministry”, E. M. B. Green, in The People of God, Ian Cundy, ed., vol. 2 of Obeying Christ in a Changing World, John Stott, gen. ed., 3 vol., London: Fountain, 1977, P. 68-69 (see the book)
    See also Matt. 4:11; 20:28; Mark 10:45; Luke 22:26-27; John 12:26; 1 Pet. 4:10-11
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, make me a servant to Your people wherever You lead me. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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