Three Sixteen Ministry

Author: jtodiano

  • Words of the Risen Christ

    A Sunday School Reflection for the Easter Season

    “Why are you weeping?… Whom are you seeking?”
    These are not just questions asked by Jesus long ago—they are questions that still speak to us today.

    Many of us are familiar with the last words of Christ on the cross. But what about the words He spoke after His resurrection? These words are filled with life, direction, and purpose. They are not spoken in suffering—but in victory.

    In this lesson, we look at Jesus’ encounter with Mary in John 20:15–17 and discover how His words guide us in living out the meaning of Easter.

    The Encounter: Jesus and Mary

    John 20:15–17

    • “Woman, why are you weeping?”
    • “Whom are you seeking?”
    • “Mary!”
    • “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father.”
    • “Go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’”

    From these words, we discover that the resurrection is not just an event to remember—it is a season to live in.

    1. A Season of Comfort

    “Woman, why are you weeping?”

    Easter reminds us that while sorrow is real, it is never final.

    Jesus meets Mary in her grief, not with rebuke, but with compassion. In the same way, He meets us in our pain and gently leads us toward hope.

    “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5

    Because Christ is risen, our sorrow is not the end of the story.

    Reflect:

    • What burdens or sorrows are you carrying today?
    • Have you allowed Christ to bring comfort into those areas?

    2. A Season of Certainty in Christ

    “Whom are you seeking?”

    This question goes deeper than curiosity—it reveals the condition of the heart.

    In a world full of uncertainty, Jesus invites us to anchor our lives in Him. Many things about tomorrow remain unknown, but we can live with confidence because we know the One who holds tomorrow.

    “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” — Philippians 3:10

    Reflect:

    • What are you truly seeking in life right now?
    • Is your confidence rooted in Christ or in circumstances?

    3. A Season of Calling

    “Mary!”

    One word changed everything.

    When Jesus called Mary by name, her sorrow turned into recognition, and her confusion into clarity. This is the power of a personal call.

    Jesus still calls His people today—not in a distant or general way, but personally and intentionally.

    “I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” — Isaiah 43:1

    Reflect:

    • Can you recognize the voice of Jesus in your life?
    • Are you responding when He calls you?

    4. A Season of Communion

    “Do not cling to Me…”

    At first, this may seem like a rejection—but it is actually an invitation to something deeper.

    Jesus was teaching Mary that their relationship would no longer be based on physical presence, but on spiritual communion. Through the Holy Spirit, believers now experience a closer and constant connection with Him.

    “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

    Reflect:

    • How is your relationship with Christ growing beyond what you can see or feel?
    • Are you learning to walk with Him daily by faith?

    5. A Season of Commissioning

    “Go to My brethren…”

    Mary was not only comforted—she was commissioned.

    The first witness of the resurrection became the first messenger of the risen Christ. In the same way, we are called not just to receive the good news, but to share it.

    “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” — John 20:21

    “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

    Reflect:

    • Are you actively sharing the message of Christ in your life?
    • Who can you reach this week with the hope of the resurrection?

    Living the Message of the Risen Christ

    The words of Jesus to Mary reveal a powerful journey that every believer is invited to experience:

    • From weeping → to comfort
    • From seeking → to certainty
    • From hearing → to calling
    • From holding on → to deeper communion
    • From receiving → to going

    Easter is not just something we celebrate once a year—it is a truth we live every day.

    Closing Thought

    The risen Christ is still speaking.

    He meets us in our sorrow, calls us by name, deepens our relationship with Him, and sends us out with purpose.

    The question is: How will we respond to His voice today?

  • Fruits of Walking with Jesus

    What Our Lives Produce When We Walk with Him

    “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”
    — Psalm 92:14

    March often marks the closing of many school activities. During one of our school ministry culminating programs, I was given the opportunity to share a message—not only to students, but also to teachers and parents.

    The message is simple, yet deeply important:

    What are the fruits produced in a life that walks with Jesus?

    Psalm 92:14 reminds us that even in old age, a person who walks with God continues to bear fruit. If that is true in old age—how much more in our youth?

    As ministry volunteers, we often travel from school to school—sometimes uphill, along rough roads, without compensation—just to share the Word of God.

    So we ask:

    What do we gain from walking with Jesus? What fruit does it produce?

    1. Wisdom

    Walking with Jesus leads us to grow in true wisdom.

    “With God are wisdom and might; He has counsel and understanding.”
    — Job 12:13

    Just as we gain knowledge through education—learning letters, forming words, and building understanding—so also we gain godly wisdom as we walk with Christ.

    By nature, we do not possess this wisdom.

    “Surely I was sinful at birth…” — Psalm 51:5
    “For all have sinned…” — Romans 3:23

    We naturally learn how to lie, deny, or retaliate—without being taught. This reflects our sinful nature.

    But God offers a different kind of wisdom:

    “The wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle…”
    — James 3:17

    This wisdom does not come from ourselves—it comes from God.

    That is why we must be born again (John 3:1–8) and respond to His call:

    “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.” — Proverbs 4:7

    Even King Solomon, when given the chance to ask for anything, chose wisdom over wealth (1 Kings 3:9).

    Because truly:

    “How much better to get wisdom than gold.” — Proverbs 16:16

    2. Abounding Care

    Walking with Jesus allows us to experience His constant and faithful care.

    “Even to your old age I am He… I will carry you.”
    — Isaiah 46:4

    God’s care is not based on our usefulness—it remains from the beginning to the end of our lives.

    There are moments when we may feel weak or even worthless, especially in times of difficulty or old age. Yet God’s care never leaves us.

    In ministry, even without salary and despite personal sacrifices, we continue because we believe:

    God’s grace is sufficient.

    Sometimes His care appears in simple ways:

    • Arriving just on time despite delays
    • Receiving unexpected provision
    • Finding strength when we are tired

    If we fail to notice these, we may only count our losses. But through the eyes of faith, we begin to see:

    God has been caring for us all along.

    A Biblical Example: God’s Care for Elijah

    God demonstrated His care for Elijah in many ways:

    • Through ravens bringing food
    • Through a widow providing sustenance
    • Through miraculous provision
    • Through rest and renewed strength

    “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
    — 1 Kings 19:7

    Even in exhaustion, God did not abandon him.

    In the same way, as we continue to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12), God sustains us.

    3. Legacy

    Walking with Jesus allows us to leave behind a legacy of faith.

    “We will tell the next generation…”
    — Psalm 78:4

    The greatest legacy we can leave is not wealth, but a life that points others to God.

    Hebrews 11 reminds us of men and women who lived by faith—like Noah, who obeyed God even when it seemed impossible.

    Their lives continue to speak—even today.

    A Living Example

    I once observed a preacher who, instead of spending his vacation visiting tourist destinations, chose to visit churches, encourage believers, and share the gospel.

    He used his time and resources not for leisure—but for ministry.

    That is a legacy.

    One that leaves an imprint not only in memory, but in lives.

    4. Kinship

    Walking with Jesus brings us into a spiritual family.

    “You are members of the household of God.”
    — Ephesians 2:19

    The disciples were not all related by blood, yet they became family through Christ.

    In the same way, regardless of our background or church affiliation, we are united as:

    • Brothers
    • Sisters
    • Children of God

    “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister…”
    — Mark 3:35

    We are never alone in this journey.

    Conclusion

    Walking with Jesus produces lasting fruit:

    • Wisdom that guides our life
    • Abounding Care that sustains us
    • Legacy that outlives us
    • Kinship that surrounds us

    These are not temporary gains—but eternal ones.

    So whether you are a student, teacher, parent, or minister:

    Walk with Jesus.

    And as you walk with Him,
    you will not only grow—
    you will bear fruit.

  • When God Redeems Our Missed Opportunities

    Ministry Blog | Missed Opportunities

    How God Works Even When We Fall Short

    March 2026 was not overly busy, but it was full in many ways. It marked the closing of our school ministry for the 2025–2026 school year under the Philippine Values Education Program (PVEP)—a ministry that shares Christian values in schools through volunteer teachers from different religious backgrounds.

    As part of the closing, we conducted Culminating Programs in different schools through the coordination of our Area Coordinator and the school administration. I was given the opportunity to share a message, and I gladly accepted, though I also felt a bit of guilt—since I had only been able to regularly teach in one school while serving as a substitute in others due to other responsibilities in church and work.

    With this opportunity, I prepared a message especially for the graduating class in the school where I regularly taught. I personally knew many of the students, and I wanted to leave them with something meaningful.

    But after attending two PVEP Culminating Programs, while on my way home, I realized something:

    I had missed delivering the message I prepared specifically for the graduating class.

    I felt a sense of regret.

    Yet in that moment, I was reminded of this truth:

    “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

    God showed me that even though I prepare and plan, the outcome is still in His hands. The Word of God is not limited by my structure or delivery. What people receive comes from the Holy Spirit—not from my effort alone.

    So, I surrendered my regret and chose to trust in God’s work, even through my shortcomings.

    A Second Opportunity: A Partial Chance

    When I arrived home, I received another opportunity from the same school—this time during their Student Work Immersion Culminating Program. I was assigned to lead the prayer.

    I thought to myself, “This might be God giving me another chance.”

    Hoping for that second chance, I considered sharing a message before the prayer. However, due to time constraints, I was only able to say a few words.

    Again, I thought:

    “Well, that’s it.”

    A Third Opportunity: God Redeems What We Miss

    A few days later, a teacher from the same school messaged me, asking for the name of the president of our association of ministers as they were preparing for their Baccalaureate Service.

    At that moment, I quietly prayed and asked God for another opportunity to speak.

    By God’s grace, He answered.

    Due to time constraints, the school decided to invite a minister directly instead of going through the association—and by the God’s work, they invited me to deliver the message.

    That was when I realized:

    God did not ignore my missed opportunity—He redeemed it.

    “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…” (Romans 8:28)

    I desired to give a message to the graduating class during the PVEP Culminating Program, but I missed it. I saw another opportunity during their Work Immersion Culminating Program, but I was not given enough time. Yet God, in His grace, had already prepared the right time and the right venue—even before I prayed for it: a Baccalaureate Service, intended for the graduating and moving-up class.

    What God Taught Me

    Even though I saw my shortcomings—especially in preparation and time management—I also saw God’s faithfulness.

    He sustained me, guided me, and used me despite my limitations.

    The things I lacked are not failures to hide, but areas to surrender to Christ.

    They are part of the process of growth as a servant of God.

    A New Beginning

    March 2026 may have marked the end of a school ministry season, but for me, it is also the beginning of a new one—this ministry blog.

    My prayer is that this space will not only serve as a repository of lessons but also as a source of encouragement for fellow ministers.

    Let us continue to trust that even when we miss opportunities,

    God never misses His purpose.

    God bless you, fellow ministers. 🙏

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