The Book of Mark
Chapter 1 (NIV)
38Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." 39So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
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3 comments:
I take Jesus comments in 2 ways - 1) primarily, he came to preach rather than perform miracles like some sort of traveling magician and 2) he came to preach the word far and wide.
I'm not trying to discount his miracles; but they were not the primary reason he came to the earth. So often I used to pray for a miracle, an obvious sign, rather than truly taking in the gospel. Sometimes I think that miracles can upstage the message. Perhaps that is why God does not perform them as often as we would like. (Of course, He performs miracles every day, but we don't see them as miracles because we take them for granted - giving us life and breath, a gorgeous sunrise, the very earth and heavens, etc.) Going back to yesterday's verses - morning prayer would help us in appreciating the daily miracles and putting things in perspective before starting our busy day.
He said to them, "Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for." (A)And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons. (Mark 1:38-39)
As Jesus mentioned throughout the gospel, this generation just seeks signs and wonders....As aforementioned by SJ, the primary purpose and objective for Jesus' coming to the earth was not to show us visible miracles and heal peoples' physical illness. Far beyond, He was more concerned about our Spirtual state, helping us to earn eternal life through Him and have fellowship with Him. Still today, He reaches out to us and wants to become the TRUE king in our lives, by restoring our lordship. Looking at verse 38, it says, "let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come....." Still today, He looks for followers who will listen to His preachings and follow Him. What stage am I at this moment? Am I just a seeker of wonders and signs or am I ready to take up the cross and message of Christ and to live the life of a true and worthy disciple?
2Timothy 4:1-2
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
I yam called to "preach" the Word. That is why Jesus came, and that is why I am called to preach as we strive to follow Him. Amen.
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