The Main Thing!

For Wednesday, December 13, 2023:

Mark 1:44a NLT, Jesus sternly warning the man he had just healed of leprosy: “Don’t tell anyone about this.”

That seems like an odd request. To understand, we must discern Jesus’ mission in coming to earth. What was his main purpose?

Jesus could teach and interpret scripture. That was useful, but not his primary purpose. Jesus was good at healing. One touch of his hand or even a word from his mouth could change someone’s life for the better – forever. A few times, Jesus would perform the healing even after the person had died! No one had ever seen this kind of power to cure disease and illness, oftentimes driving out the demons who were the source of the trouble. Many wanted to put Jesus up on a pedestal at that point, and he would have deserved the accolades. But that was not his main mission.

But one time, as Jesus was healing someone, he said, “Your sins are forgiven!” There we go! That’s the answer! Mankind had been at odds with God ever since the original sin in the Garden of Eden. Sin had plagued mankind for centuries, destroying the relationship with our Father. Jesus’ job – his mission, if you will – was the reconciliation of mankind with our Creator. Jesus took the sin of the world upon himself, leaving mankind cleansed, purified, suitable for spending eternity in God’s Kingdom. God’s desire is that none would perish, and Jesus came to make it so!

Jesus was the right man for the job! Do you believe?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship