In just three and a half years, Jesus accomplished the greatest work ever done. He preached the gospel of the kingdom throughout Galilee. He did mighty works that proved He was the Son of God. He trained the 12 apostles. He offered the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus completed these amazing tasks because of His incredible work ethic, a work ethic driven by great zeal.

Jesus began at an early age. When He was 12 years old, His parents searched for and found Him in the temple listening to the teachers and asking them questions. When questioned about this, Jesus responded, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).

Jesus’ zeal is seen at the beginning of His earthly ministry (Mark 1:35-39). Knowing His days would be busy, He made it a habit to awaken early in the morning and find a secluded place to be alone with the Father in prayer. After preaching the gospel in one place, He made it His aim to go to other towns. “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” (Luke 4:43).

Statements Jesus made during His ministry reveal His zeal for the Father’s work.

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). Jesus was hungry and tired when He encountered the Samaritan woman at the well (vv. 6, 8, 31-33). Despite these circumstances, He took time to initiate a life-changing conversation with her and help her come to a point of faith. He stirred up her zeal (vv. 28-29). Jesus came to finish the work the Father gave Him. The opportunity to reach this soul presented itself, and it wouldn’t wait (v. 35). How many times have we allowed opportunities to slip by because they conflicted with our schedules?

“I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29). As our Lord’s ministry grew, so did His conflicts with those who opposed Him. He knew enemies were plotting against Him and that such efforts would eventually end in His death. Despite what the Jewish leaders thought and/or said, Jesus never backed down. He made it His aim to always do the things that pleased His Father. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). Are we always seeking to do the things that please God?

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Jesus and His disciples were escaping some Jews who were seeking to stone Him when they encountered a man born blind (John 8:59-9:3). The disciples asked about the man’s condition, and Jesus took the time to heal him. The Lord had a sense of urgency regarding the completion of His work. It had to be done because of the rapid approach of a time when no work could be done. Do we serve the Lord with a sense of urgency, or do we believe there will be plenty of time later?

“It is finished!” (John 19:30). Jesus died at the age of 33. With His dying breath, He could honestly say He had fulfilled His purpose. He had completed His Father’s will for His life. He worked right up to the very end. “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). Most of us will probably leave this world knowing we could have done more to serve and glorify God. Will we be motivated by our Lord’s example and work until the end?

Conclusion: Jesus showed great zeal in His work. It was motivated by His love for the Father and commitment to finish His task. Jesus did not come to earth to be served as a King. He came on a rescue mission. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). This work was urgent.

Jesus is our perfect example in all things. He shows us exactly how to please the Father. We need to develop Christ-like zeal for God’s work and honor.