When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God's word to them, ...
—Mark 2:1-2 NLT
Once again, the crowds swarmed to see Jesus, presumably because of what they had heard about his miraculous power to cure lepers, to heal the sick, and to cast out demons. However, Jesus chose to teach with such a great crowd assembled rather than to heal. He was called to preach. [1] His focus was on giving people the Good News of God's Kingdom and calling them to repentance. [2] Rather than gaining fame, Jesus wanted to win hearts to God. While we all may be tempted to try to impress large crowds and to win fame for ourselves, Jesus' example is a powerful reminder that the most important thing we can do is to be certain that our words and actions help folks understand the message of God.
[1] Mark 1:38.
[2] Mark 1:15.
Holy and tender Father, give me the courage and the sensitivity to share your message with others and to call them to change their lives to honor you. Give me wisdom, dear God, to know how best to do so and always to do so with gentleness and respect. Help me discern the best time and the best method to share this Good News with the people around me. Thank you for your help and guidance in this important task. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 2:1-2 NLT
Key Thought
Once again, the crowds swarmed to see Jesus, presumably because of what they had heard about his miraculous power to cure lepers, to heal the sick, and to cast out demons. However, Jesus chose to teach with such a great crowd assembled rather than to heal. He was called to preach. [1] His focus was on giving people the Good News of God's Kingdom and calling them to repentance. [2] Rather than gaining fame, Jesus wanted to win hearts to God. While we all may be tempted to try to impress large crowds and to win fame for ourselves, Jesus' example is a powerful reminder that the most important thing we can do is to be certain that our words and actions help folks understand the message of God.
[1] Mark 1:38.
[2] Mark 1:15.
Today's Prayer
Holy and tender Father, give me the courage and the sensitivity to share your message with others and to call them to change their lives to honor you. Give me wisdom, dear God, to know how best to do so and always to do so with gentleness and respect. Help me discern the best time and the best method to share this Good News with the people around me. Thank you for your help and guidance in this important task. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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