What Jesus Did! 'A Large Crowd Finds Good News' — Mark 2:1-2

Saturday, January 30, 2016

A few days later, Jesus came back to Capernaum. The news spread that Jesus was back home. Many, many people gathered to hear Jesus speak. The house was full. There was no place to stand, not even outside the door. Jesus was teaching these people.
— Mark 2:1-2 NLT
Illustration of Mark 2:1-2 NLT — The news spread that Jesus was back home.

Key Thought

Once again, the crowds swarmed to see Jesus, presumably because of what they had heard about his miraculous power to cure lepers, to heal the sick, and to cast out demons. However, Jesus chose to teach rather than to heal with such a great crowd assembled. He was called to preach (Mark 1:38). His focus was giving people the good news of God's Kingdom and calling them to repentance (Mark 1:15). Rather than gaining fame, Jesus wanted to win hearts to God. While we all may be tempted to try to impress large crowds and to win fame for ourselves, Jesus' example is a powerful reminder that the most important thing we can do is to help folks understand the message of God by our words and our actions.

Today's Prayer

Holy and tender Father, give me the courage and the sensitivity to share your message with others and to call them to change their lives to honor you. Give me wisdom, dear God, to know how to best do this with gentleness and respect. Help me discern the best time and the best method to share this good news with the people around me. Thank you for your help and guidance in this importance task. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 1:14-18
  • Acts 4:12
  • 1 Peter 3:14-16

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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