36. Jesus preaches throughout Galilee
– Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44
Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”
Jesus’ main forms of ministry were teaching, preaching, and healing. Jesus taught to show his concern for our knowledge and understanding. He preached to show us his desire to guide us onto his righteous path. And he healed people to show his concern for our wellbeing and wholeness. While his ability to physically heal people may have drew in part of the crowd, the people stayed for what he had to say. Also, his ability to heal people helped confirm that he truly was the Messiah. Jesus asks his current followers to continue his works while he is no longer physically here on earth. But, how can you really do these things? Often times as Christians we focus on someone’s spiritual needs. But, Jesus teaches us to not only care for someone’s spiritual needs but also their physical needs. You can show Jesus’ love to this world by intentionally seeking ways for how you can improve someone’s physical needs. This may not be laying your hands on someone and healing them; it could be offering someone a place to stay or buying someone lunch. Health is just one aspect of a person’s needs. Once you care for someone’s needs, then you can begin sharing the good news. Sometimes people need to be helped physically helped before they can be receptive to God’s message.
Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”
Jesus placed high importance on prayer. He would often withdraw to speak to God. If Jesus did this, how much more important is it for us to take time to pray to God? We are blessed to be able to speak directly to the creator of the universe but we don’t take advantage of it. Why aren’t we eager to spend time with him? Jesus needed sleep just as much as you and I; yet, he still woke up early to speak with God. It is important to pray and refocus your attention away from earthly things. It is so easy to get caught up with this world. Don’t miss what God has intended for you. If you seek him first, then he will provide you with guidance for your life. He will help you. All you have to do is ask. Allow him to guide you with every aspect of your life, even the small things. Through prayer, you will build a closer relationship to him and be able to give God control of your life.
