It’s About Teams

Many of the stories we find in the New Testament don’t get much recognition.  Preachers don’t often center their sermons around them.  People find themselves skimming over them.  These stories are about the “behind the scenes” work that takes place in order for God’s will to be done here on earth as it is in heaven.  Everyone calls attention to the Last Supper, for example.  Not nearly as many people pay attention to the dinner planners, cooks, and waiters who were involved.

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover." "Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked. He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there." They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. (Luke 22:7-13 NIV)

When Jesus fulfilled one of the prophecies about the Messiah, he rode a donkey’s colt down the middle of Jerusalem with people giving him praise, honor, and glory.  Many times, however, we don’t focus on the people who made that little parade and celebration possible.

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "Say to Daughter Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. (Matthew 21:1-6 NIV)

Jesus is regularly sending out his disciples in twos.  I’m not sure why.  I just know he does.  Two people working together always seems to bring about better results than two people working separately.  There is great power in teams.  Not only that, the power of God is released differently in teams as well.

"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:18-20 NIV)

When we talk about twelve teams, teams of teams, and a vision team, it is all on purpose.  Jesus built teams.  Jesus trained teams.  Jesus sent out teams.  Jesus promised to empower, equip, and encourage teams.  Whatever is good enough for Jesus is good enough for us.  Go team!  Praise God!