Friday: Further Thought – A Day in the Ministry of Jesus
Daily Lesson for Friday 12th of July 2024
Read Ellen G. White, “At Capernaum,” Pages 252–261; “Thou Canst Make Me Clean,” Pages 262–266, in The Desire of Ages.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
What picture of Jesus does Mark 1:1-45 present? Jesus has authority to call disciples, and they respond. He is holy in contrast to unclean spirits under Satan. A great battle is going on between good and evil, and Jesus has more power than the demons. Jesus has compassion for sick people and helps them, touching them when perhaps no one else would.
“Jesus in the synagogue spoke of the kingdom He had come to establish, and of His mission to set free the captives of Satan. He was interrupted by a shriek of terror. A madman rushed forward from among the people, crying out, ‘Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art; the Holy One of God.’
“All was now confusion and alarm. The attention of the people was diverted from Christ, and His words were unheeded. This was Satan’s purpose in leading his victim to the synagogue. But Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, ‘Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.’ . . . He who had conquered Satan in the wilderness of temptation was again brought face to face with His enemy. The demon exerted all his power to retain control of his victim. To lose ground here would be to give Jesus a victory. . . . But the Saviour spoke with authority, and set the captive free.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, Pages 255, 256.
Meanwhile, our Lord carried on a busy ministry, moving from place to place, almost constantly in touch with many people. How did He maintain a calm and steady approach to ministry and people? It was doubtless through His daily experience of prayer.
Think about what might be a workable schedule for you in regard to time for prayer and study of the Scriptures. Find what works for you, and take that time to develop a peaceful spirit, guided by the Spirit and the Word of God.
Discussion Questions
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The gospel does act differently upon people because everyone is different. The gospel is not selective; it is meant for anyone. But the most important thing is that the gospel is a blessing! All I have to do is accept the good news of salvation as a simple positive perspective. More concerning than doing something after meeting with the gospel (Jesus) is not doing anything at all!
1. Why is prayer so important in the Christian life?
Prayer to us is maintaining a relationship with Christ. Prayer is a compilation of our thoughts to Him, and our words of Him, and also our actions. To show that we believe in God, we turn our will over to God who subdues the will into submission of every thought word and action through prayer. In figurative speech, prayer is a coaxial connection of our communication with God the Father through Christ, of our thoughts, words, and actions, transmitted to Him and recieved from Him. Prayer is facilitated by God who bestowed a transceiver within us.
"We are to work(take action out of love) for Him with vigilance and solicitude, with strong, persevering effort, with self-denial and self-sacrifice, determined in word and deed to represent Him who works through human beings to achieve glorious results. As we labor thus, divine power will be revealed in our efforts. God will work through us to will and to do of His good pleasure.(prayerful connection) Divine love will be revealed in thought, word, and action." 17LtMs, Lt 97, 1902, par. 15
Philippians 2:13.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
(The Transmision)[6] "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (The Reception)[7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
The core of our discussion must always return to us. It is unhelpful to ask only what can "the church" do, or even what can "my church" do. Ultimately the responsibility for "doing" falls individually on you and I.
Question 1 reminds us of the essential connection we first need to establish so we can live a true Christian life. Jesus took time alone to talk with His Father.
Question 2 reminds us that prudent discretion is a necessary part of successful witnessing. Jesus spread good news in "bite-size" chunks, often so subtly that people only "heard" what He was saying after the meeting was over.
Question 3 reminds us of the people-centric method Jesus used. Preaching and teaching was essential, but secondary. His primary method was reaching out and touching people's lives. Before ever expecting them to listen, He made sure their immediate needs were cared for.
What Jesus was teaching is simple - My children have come to school hungry. How can they listen while their stomachs are rumbling?
Who are the "Lepers" in my culture today. How can I reach out and touch them?