Jesus came teaching, preaching and healing (Matt. 4:23). He did not always do those things in that order. At times he taught first, at times he preached first, at times he healed first. He did what was needed to gain the attention of the people he came to serve. He saw the needs of the people—helpless, hopeless, and homeless. They were as sheep without a shepherd (Matt. 9:35-38). Matthew is not giving the early church a formula for imitating Jesus—he is describing a holistic way to bring God’s good news to people.
In the same way, as we try to touch our world today, we use a combination of approaches. As disciples and imitators of Jesus, we seek the lost, serve the community, and share the good news. Which comes first? It depends on the situation and circumstances. It depends on the needs of the persons God puts in our paths.
Sometimes people come to us and ask for help so we serve. Sometimes we have to search intentionally for people who are lost. Either way, we are looking for opportunities to share the good news. Whom can I help? Who needs my prayers? Whom can I touch with the gospel?
Amazingly, the opportunity to serve serendipitously leads to sharing. Evangelistic opportunities are the byproducts of our desire to live out fully the reality of Jesus in our daily lives. Seeking, serving, and sharing exist in constant tension in the life of the disciple. I am always doing all three, but I decide which to focus on based on the needs of the moment.