A Year with Jesus: 'Don't Forget Why I Came!'

What Jesus Might Say

Dear Disciple,

Human nature leads you to be fascinated with miracles. Many folks through the ages have portrayed Me as a miracle-worker. While it is true that I did a number of astounding miracles - although I love the way John calls them signs that point to a greater truth - you notice that I was not called "Healer." Instead, people called Me "Rabbi" or "Teacher"!

In addition, the demons knew Who I AM - the "Son of God." Yes, I AM the Son of God - yet I silenced the demons that identified Me. I didn't want My reputation and identity to be under the control of demons or to be in the hands of the crowds who wanted a miracle-worker. I wanted to demonstrate what it means to be God come in human flesh - the meaning of the title "Son of God" - and what it means to be Christ, the Anointed One.

So if you will watch Me in the coming days as we continue the journey through My time on earth, you will see Me define what it means to be Son of God and Messiah, the Anointed One. I AM the Teacher and the Preacher Who calls people to be a part of the kingdom of God. This is My role, My mission, and central to why I came to earth!

Also, you will see Me demonstrate God's compassion in miracles as I restore people back to wholeness - true Shalom. I will be a servant to others because it is My nature to serve others and sacrifice for them. In My kingdom, greatness is found in those who serve others, even if it means to sacrifice. So as Son of God, I will serve and give My life as a ransom for you. I will demonstrate that I AM the Good Shepherd - the Shepherd willing to lay down His life for His sheep.

So follow Me. But please don't define Me only by the amazing and the miraculous. Those types of things are just a part of My work. Look more closely, dig deeper, and you will see that I AM God's presence among you - demonstrating the Father's love, service, character, and compassion. Come, follow Me and find Me as more than what the crowds and the demons want to call me.

Verses Jesus Might Suggest

As you think about the scope of My mission and My example as a servant, consider the following section from Luke's account of My life. This part of My story is in Galilee and relates to My teaching, My healing, and My casting out and silencing demons.

The excitement about Jesus spread into every corner of the surrounding region.

Picture this:

Jesus then leaves that synagogue and goes over to Simon's place. Simon's mother-in-law is there. She is sick with a high fever. Simon's family asks Jesus to help her.

Jesus stands over her, and just as He had rebuked the demon [in the previous verses], He rebukes the fever, and the woman's temperature returns to normal. She feels so much better that she gets right up and cooks them all a big meal.

By this time, it's just before nightfall, and as the sun sets, groups of families, friends, and bystanders come until a huge crowd has gathered. Each group has brought along family members or friends who are sick with any number of diseases. One by one, Jesus lays His hands on them and heals them. On several occasions, demonic spirits are expelled from these people, after shouting at Jesus, "You are the Son of God!"

Jesus always rebukes them and tells them to be quiet. They know He is the Anointed One, but He doesn't want to be acclaimed in this way.

The next morning, Jesus sneaks away. He finds a place away from the crowds, but soon they find Him. The crowd tries their best to keep Him from leaving.

Jesus:
No, I cannot stay. I need to preach the kingdom of God to other cities too. This is the purpose I was sent to fulfill.
So He proceeds from synagogue to synagogue across Judea, preaching His message of the kingdom of God.
(Luke 4:37-44)

Our Response in Prayer

O Father, open my eyes to see all that Jesus is as I offer myself to You, in service to Your will and for the good of Your kingdom. I ask this in the name of Jesus my Lord. Amen.