The Crowds

Mark 3:7-8 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. The years of Jesus’ ministry can be roughly divided into three time periods.

Year of Inauguration. Jesus’ public ministry began at His baptism in the Jordon and continued with His temptation in the desert. During His first year in ministry, Jesus explained to the scholarly Nicodemus that you must be born again, met the woman at the well and forgave her of her sins, and turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana. News about the man from Nazareth began to spread.

Year of Popularity. News about Jesus traveled throughout Israel. Great crowds came to see Him. During this year He taught the twelve disciples, preached throughout Israel, healed numerous people, and fed a great crowd with a young boy’s lunch. People wanted to make Jesus their king by force.

Year of Opposition. The popularity of Jesus caused great concern for the religious leaders. Jesus, who had no formal training, was challenging their man-made system. Although they didn’t know for certain how, they began their plans to get rid of Jesus.

Today’s passage took place during the year of popularity. People came from far and wide to hear Jesus teach. They brought their sick and diseased to be healed. Those who embraced Jesus as God’s Son were never disappointed. That is still true today. Father, thank You for sending Your Son to teach, heal and ultimately die for me on the cross. Thank You for sending the One who never disappoints. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

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Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Igniting a Lonely Heart