What Jesus Did! 'Doing the Mission' — Mark 1:37-39

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

When [the disciples] found [Jesus], they said, "Everyone is looking for you."

But Jesus replied, "We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came." So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.

— Mark 1:37-39 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus came with a mission to accomplish. Knowing our mission in life helps us clarify our daily commitments and center our efforts on the things God has called us to do. It helps keep us on track and focused. It enables us to say "No!" to things that are merely good so that we can do the essential ones. We don't normally think about Jesus' turning down an opportunity to teach, preach, serve, and heal folks. Yet in this situation, he did just that — not because he didn't love the folks where he was, but because God sent him to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom in many cities and towns. Therefore, he couldn't get bogged down being a wise teacher and miracle-man in just one location. Let's focus on our purpose and ask God to clarify for us what our mission is so that we can accomplish it. Like Jesus, it will help us not get bogged down in things that are just good when there are really essential things to accomplish. Of course, as we will see later in this chapter, having a mission never means we neglect the needs of those God places in our paths!

Today's Prayer

Father God, the Almighty who knows me better than I know myself, please help me come to a better understanding of my mission in life. Help me as I make the choices and commitments of each day. I want to do what you have called me to do and not just what I feel compelled by an urgency to do. May my life bring you glory and may I fulfill your purpose for me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 139:13-16
  • Ephesians 1:11-12
  • John 4:34; 19:28-30

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 1:37-39 NLT — "Everyone is looking for you." —— "We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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