Observation: Jesus has initiated his ministry, beginning with a series of healings in Capernaum. The next morning he goes off to pray, but several disciples come to find him - interrupt him - to tell him "everyone" is looking for him. They want more of his time and his healing and his power. Jesus' response is telling. He says they need to move on to other places so he can ... preach ... for that is why he has come.
There are two elements to this response. One is the juxtaposition of Jesus' healing versus his teaching. It often seems the people want the quick-fix healing of their inflictions, but not necessarily the teaching and lessons, and it is possible this is the reason Jesus wants to move on ... to avoid the crushing crowds coming for healing. However, there is also a broader, more simple, and more direct interpretation of Jesus' answer. He says he wants to move on and preach because that is his mission, to teach. He can heal everyone, however the true ministry of Messiah is to be known as Messiah, to reveal himself as the promised hope of all nations, and the son of God by whom salvation through faith is available.
Healing might be the 'signs and wonders' that will help some believe, but the real work to be done is to tell others the good news. The mission is for as many people as possible to hear that Jesus is the son of God, he is the promised Messiah, and that salvation is now available to all through belief in that fact. And yes, there are behavioral improvements people can make to their lives - in line with the wisdom of Yahweh related to how people can live their best and blessed lives - but delivery of the good news is the mission. That is so much more important than just fixing people's problems and issues and health.
Application: These are the moments in the bible that are so interesting ... those times where I read a verse, and begin to intellectually tear it apart in layer after layer of meaning, and suddenly realize that ... it really just means what is says. Jesus said, "I have come to preach the good news, so let's go preach it," and that's all he meant.
Sure, maybe he was frustrated having his prayer time interrupted. Maybe he wanted to avoid crowds. Maybe he didn't like people just using him as a quick-fix for physical pain. Then again ... maybe those are all just how we look at this, and all he was really saying is "let's go do the top priority."
Telling the others the good news of Jesus was his mission, and it was his final instructions to the church - and to me - as his 'great commission'. That's Job One, delivering the good news, and not trying to fix people's problems.
Prayer: Lord, how often have I prayed to you about the "problems and issues" of this world, and wisdom about how to help others, or fight against the issues? However, here is the truth, everyone is actually looking for you, whether they know it or not, and our job is just tell them about you. May I do that today. Amen.
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