Day 39

Mark 1

"Conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear." 1 Peter 1:17b

THE GROWING FAME OF JESUS

Mark noted the growing fame of Jesus in his Gospel and its ramifications.

1. In the region of Galilee (Mark 1:28)

The occasion seemed to have been His great power to cast out demons (Cf. Mark 1:23-28)

2. A whole city flocked to see Jesus (Mark 1:33)

What drew the people to Jesus? Once again, it would seem that it was the power of Jesus to heal that drew so many to Him (Cf. Mark 1:32-34)

THE PURPOSE OF JESUS

Was Jesus willing to heal all who came to Him? Assuredly! His compassion was such that He turned no one away. All who were demonized were healed. All who had the most dreaded of diseases were restored to health.

Nobody seemed to have fully comprehended that healing was not the focus of His purpose of coming to earth. Not even His disciples fully appreciated that He had come, not to heal, but to proclaim that the Kingdom of God had draw near. He had come, as the Son of God, to personally invite people to enter into the Kingdom of heaven!

HAMPERING THE MOVEMENTS OF JESUS

The movements of Jesus were hampered, at least for a little while.

1. Going into cities became difficult (Mark 1:45)

The reason for this was obvious! Jesus as thronged by huge crowds of people, all seeking to be healed as the leper was.

2. In deserted places

Jesus had to virtually travel incognito. But people somehow sought Him out and came to Him in droves "from every direction". (Cf. Mark 1:45).

COMPASSION AND COMMISSION

Jesus had to resolve two matters somehow.

1. His Compassion for the sick and demonised

His heart of compassion was such that He continued to heal all who came to Him. He would not turn any one away! The desperate plight of those who suffered from leprosy or those who were possessed by demons moved his heart deeply.

2. His Commission from His Father

He also had to fulfill what His Father had sent Him to do. He must proclaim the Kingdom of God to the multitudes as well. It would take even harder work to fulfill all that God had entrusted to Him.