Business Mode

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” John 6:10a

My wife often accuses me of getting in “business mode.” That means that I’m focused on a task and not really available for much else. You know–paying bills, doing taxes, balancing the checkbook, or for me–writing a message or studying for something. But she’s right about me. When I’m in business mode, I mean business.

So did Jesus. When he told the disciples to have the crowd sit down, he was in business mode. Playtime was over. He had Kingdom work to do and nothing was going to interfere with it. Just moments before, he had been prodding Philip with a playful test of his faith. No more. Jesus shifted from Teacher to Commander and Chief in one instant. He had work to do, his Father’s work. That called for business mode.

Jesus still goes into business mode with us today. And when he does, he is just as serious about it as when he was about to feed that multitude.

So how do you know when Jesus is in business mode? It’s simple. Read the verse again: Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Jesus issued a command. It wasn’t a parable or a verily, verily statement or a teaching moment. It was an order, a command. And when Jesus issues a command, you can be sure that he is in business mode and that the Kingdom stakes are very high.

When Jesus goes into business mode there is a crowd that needs to be fed or a demon that needs casting out or a captive that needs to be set free. And his command to you is your indicator that he intends to use you and your resources in the process.

Still confused? Jesus is in business mode when you hear him say something like:

Start praying everyday with your spouse
Increase your prayers for this person
Confess this sin right now
Call and make an appointment with that counselor
Walk across the street and check on your neighbor
Invite that single mom over for dinner
Ask your rude boss how you can serve him
Increase your giving
Get out of debt
Fast for three days
Write that letter of forgiveness
Seek out the friend you wronged and ask his or her forgiveness
Get in a small group and start living in community
It’s time for your to start leading a group

When you hear Jesus say something like that, he means business. And when he gets into business mode, you can be sure that he is doing something far bigger than you can see at the moment.

Are you paying attention? Are you listening? Be ready.  The command of your Master could be coming at any second. Or, has he already issued it? Hmmm . . .