Co-labouring with Jesus: A Call to Kingdom Partnership
The concept of co-labouring with Jesus is deeply embedded in scripture. It signifies our divine partnership with Christ in fulfilling God’s purpose on earth. This partnership is not about striving in our own strength but yielding to His leading, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Biblical Foundation of Co-labouring with Jesus
1. We Are God’s Fellow Workers
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, affirms our role as co-labourers with Christ:
> "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, NKJV)
Being God’s fellow workers means we are entrusted with His work—be it in ministry, our families, or our daily vocations. Jesus invites us to participate in what He is already doing, just as He invited His disciples to follow Him and be fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).
2. The Yoke of Partnership with Christ
Jesus assures us that working with Him is not burdensome:
> "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30, NKJV)
A yoke is a device used to pair oxen together to plow a field. When we take Christ’s yoke, we are not labouring alone—He carries the greater weight. This means we are not striving in our own strength but flowing in His grace and anointing.
3. The Work Is the Father’s, We Are the Instruments
Jesus Himself lived as an example of a co-labourer with the Father:
> "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." (John 5:19, NKJV)
If Jesus, the Son of God, depended on the Father, how much more should we depend on Him? Our task is to listen, obey, and act in alignment with His will.
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Real-Life Illustrations of Co-labouring with Jesus
1. Hudson Taylor: A Missionary Who Co-laboured in China
Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission, understood the importance of co-labouring with Christ. Instead of relying on Western missionary models, he adopted the culture of the Chinese people, trusting in God’s provision. His faith and dependence on Jesus led to the establishment of hundreds of mission stations, churches, and schools. He famously said:
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply."
Taylor knew that he was merely an instrument, while Jesus was the true builder of the work in China.
2. A Modern-Day Evangelist in the Marketplace
Consider a businessman who sees his workplace as his mission field. Instead of just working for profit, he seeks God’s guidance daily, prays for his employees, and shares the gospel through his integrity and kindness. This is co-labouring with Jesus—allowing Him to work through us wherever He has placed us.
One such example is Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. He built his business on biblical principles, closing his stores on Sundays so that employees could rest and worship. Through his obedience, God blessed the company, making it one of the most successful fast-food chains in America.
3. The Power of Intercession in Co-labouring
A group of intercessors in a small village felt led to pray for their town’s transformation. For months, they interceded, asking Jesus to bring revival. Soon, local drug dealers either repented or left, and a new wave of spiritual hunger arose. This was not their own doing—it was Jesus moving in response to their prayers.
This echoes what Jesus said:
> "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38, NKJV)
When we pray and intercede, we co-labour with Jesus in bringing His Kingdom to earth.
How to Practically Co-labour with Jesus
1. Daily Surrender – Begin each day by asking, "Lord, what are You doing today, and how can I partner with You?"
2. Work in the Spirit, Not the Flesh – Avoid striving. Trust in the Holy Spirit’s leading. (Zechariah 4:6)
3. Recognize Your Mission Field – Whether in business, school, or ministry, see yourself as God’s instrument.
4. Be Faithful in the Small Things – Jesus said, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.” (Luke 16:10, NKJV)
5. Stay in Communion with Christ – Prayer, worship, and the Word keep us connected to our divine assignment.
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Conclusion: A Reward Awaits for Faithful Labourers
Jesus promised that our labour in Him is never in vain:
> "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58, NKJV)
As we co-labour with Jesus, we are not only fulfilling His will but also storing up eternal rewards. May we be found faithful in this divine partnership, knowing that the Lord Himself is our strength,
guide, and ultimate rewarder.
Are you ready to step into your role as a co-labourer with Christ?
