Before he taught in the temple, healed the sick, or calmed the storm, Jesus gathered a team of people to carry on his work. He shared his passion with them, explained his purpose to them, gave a vivid personal example to them and sent them into the world to accomplish his purpose. Jesus believed in the power of people who are joined by a common vision and moved by a kingdom purpose.
Have you seen this acronym for TEAM? It may seem a little simplistic but it underscores an important value in the teaching of Jesus. He didn't come to mobilize an army. He came to gather ordinary people and persuade them that Together Everyone could Achieve More... "for the glory of God and their neighbor's good." The Book of Ecclesiastes exposes the writers cynicism except when he describes what can happen when two people are devoted to working together:
Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together. If one of them falls, the other can help him up. But who will help the pitiful person who falls down alone? In the same way, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm. But how will the one who sleeps alone stay warm against the night? And if one person is vulnerable to attack, two can drive the attacker away. As the saying goes, “A rope made of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)Jesus didn't say, "We can change the world if we can just gather a big enough army!" He said, "Wherever 2 or 3 gather in my name, I am there among them." And when Jesus is among us nothing can stop us because... a rope of three strands is not quickly broken.
In his bestselling book Tribes, Seth Godin offers some interesting insights into the brilliance of Jesus' ministry plan. Godin never mentions Jesus, but what he has to say about leading, connecting and creating movements seems to reflect the thinking of Jesus and bear the imprint of his life. You can view Godin's Tribe TED talk, HERE.
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