Vol. 1 Issue 18
Vol. 1 Issue 18
Capernaum -- In last week's issue we reported that Jesus of Nazareth has discouraged people from talking about who he is, but his popularity is growing in spite of his warnings to not make him known. It is his own miracles that seem to draw people. One "evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was." (Mark 1:32-34 NIV)
An incident that happened the following day might hold a clue to his aversion to publicity. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else-- to the nearby villages-- so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons." (Mark 1:35-39 NIV)
Then one day as they were traveling in Galilee, "a man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’" After healing the man "Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: ‘See that you don’t tell this to anyone.’ Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere." (Mark 1:40-41, 43-44a, 45 NIV)
Not only is his popularity getting in the way of his preaching, it may also be attracting some unwelcome attention. His love and compassion for people may be drawing him into conflict with the religious leaders.
We will continue to follow this developing story.
Popular Christ from Look at the Man by Tim Woodroof and Glen Gray
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at gerrys@christianlight.com