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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

26 Related Resources by Heartlight

Take off the Fireman's Hat!
Article by Paul Faulkner
What's the big rush, anyway? Paul Faulkner reminds us that being in such a rush in life is not the way God intended us to live and not the way Jesus lived, so we ought to slow down, spend time with the Father, and be refreshed.
The Task at Hand
Article by Rubel Shelly
How can we begin to help in a world so full of hurt? We can't help everybody, or even most bodies, but we can help the person nearest us.
The Place and the Plan of Ministry
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"So [Jesus] traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons."
Pray
Article by Phil Ware
To touch the broken as Jesus did, I must learn to pray as Jesus prayed! Phil Ware shares his second post on Mark 1:35-45 and learning to touch the broken as Jesus touched them by learning to pray as Jesus prayed.
See All 26 Related Resources about Mark 1:37-39

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, January 24, 2024

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Complete!' (Jn. 19:30)
"After he took the wine, Jesus said, "It's done ... complete." Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Romans 8:26
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'How Majestic Your Name' (Ps. 8:1)
"O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Workman Unashamed' (2 Ti. 2:14-21)
"Dear Father, firm foundation, Help me to avoid disputes about words, which does no good, but merely ruins the hearers. Help me do my best to present...."

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.

More What Jesus Did!