NTM

Practical Discipleship

The Scripture
Mark 1:21-39; Luke 4:31-44

The Scene
With the reuniting of his disciples, Jesus took them and headed to Capernaum.  On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue, and Jesus taught.  Sometime during their visit to the synagogue a demon-possessed man stood up and declared Jesus to be the Messiah.  Jesus quickly rebuked the demon and cast him out of the man.  The people were amazed.

Leaving the synagogue, they headed back to Peter’s house.  When they got to Peter’s house, he told Jesus that his mother in law was very ill and asked Jesus to help.  Jesus went to her, leaned over her, rebuked the fever, then took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. News spread like wildfire.

The word got out about what Jesus had done.  The book of Mark states that later that evening the people brought all the sick and demon possessed to Jesus, and He healed many of them.  Luke’s account almost leaves you with the impression that Jesus healed them all.

Jesus had a late night of ministry at Peter’s house.  But very early the next morning Jesus got up, left the house, and went to a solitary place to pray.
When the disciples awoke, they saw that Jesus was gone, so they went to look for him.  When they found him, Jesus informed them it was time to move on.  They objected.  He insisted.  He reminded them that He came to preach to everyone.  So, they left Capernaum and traveled throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues.

The School Master
Jesus is again setting the tone for ministry.  What is important?  Numbers?  Converts?  Popularity?  Or is it more important to be dependent on God?  Is success in ministry based on how much ministering you do, or is it based on a relationship with the Master?

Jesus was having a tremendous ministry in Capernaum.  The people were amazed.  They were mesmerized by the way he taught.  They couldn’t get enough of it.  He cast a demon out and healed a woman.  Once the word got out, they brought all their sick and demon possessed, and he healed them.  But, after spending time in prayer seeking the direction of His Father, Jesus allowed the relationship with His Father to set his course and give Him direction.

Oh, that our relationship with God would be the same; that we would be so in tune with God, that success or failure, we would have the confidence to know where to go next.