Jesus had begun preaching the good news of God, that the time was fulfilled, and that the kingdom of God had come near. I close my eyes, and through the words written in Mark, I travel back in time to see what Jesus’ ministry looked like. How did the Son of God begin His ministry? Where and how was the message to repent and believe in the good news proclaimed?
It seems appropriate that Jesus would start on the Sabbath in the synagogue. The people there didn’t know who He was, but what they did know was that He spoke with authority. The demons knew where that authority came from. They recognized the Holy One of God. However, Jesus silenced them and released the man in whom they had taken up residence from their control. Even in the synagogue Jesus came with more than words. He came with the power to set the demon-possessed man free.
Jesus’ ministry was so much more than simply preaching on the Sabbath. As soon as He left the synagogue He went to Simon and Andrew’s house. It was not the house of nobility, it was the house where two fishermen lived with their family, including Simon’s mother-in-law who was lying in bed with a fever. Jesus went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. Woven into this story is a woman whose husband is gone and who is now sick and living on the mercy of her son-in-law. Jesus’ compassion and kindness did more than restore this woman’s health, He restored her dignity.
How did people respond? When evening came, after the sun had set and their travel was no longer restricted by sabbath law, they flocked to Jesus. All those who were sick and those bound by demons came to Him seeking for relief and release. In fact, the whole town assembled at the door. The kingdom of God had come near. The king, though cloaked in human flesh, had come with authority and the power to set men free. He came with the message to, “Repent and believe in the good news!” (Mark 1:15)
Recently I was with a friend, and during the course of our conversation she asked me a question that I’ve been thinking about ever since. She told me how she appreciated the sermons she heard on Sunday. She acknowledged that the church was trying to reach out to its members. But it was what she said next that really convicted me, she asked what we were doing for the hurting people outside the church. “How are we reaching out to the sick and hurting people in our community?” My mind went back to what Jesus did as soon as He left the synagogue. My response is that I need to repent and show that I believe the good news by following Jesus’ example.
Repentance is key to our relationship . Forgive us God for our fear , our failure to hear your voice and not just think of ourselves . Forgive us for our failure to heed your prompting so that Your plan is fullfilled .
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