But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
Mark 1:38-39 NLT
It is very important for a man to know the reason he has been called. Previously, we examined the context of the reprimand given to Jesus by His disciples. They seemed almost frustrated, saying, “Jesus, don’t you know that you have to heal these people? People have come from far and wide. They need to be delivered from their infirmities. You need to lay hands on them.” Think about that. The people were not looking for a heart change, they were looking for temporary physical relief. However, Jesus knew that His calling was not solely to heal; it was to preach and teach about the Kingdom of God. Moreover, the healings and miracles were only a confirmation of His message – the essence of His coming. To also fulfil prophesy, and demonstrate that the Kingdom of God and its good news is real and true.
When the disciples informed Jesus that everybody was looking for Him, urging Him to come and heal those who had travelled from distant places, Jesus responded with clarity and purpose. He said, “We must go to other places, so I can preach there too. My calling is not just to heal; it is to ensure that they might have life and have it in abundance.” Jesus was particular about His mission to spread the message of the Kingdom of God so that people could know that God was (and still is) in the neighbourhood. His desire was for men to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus.
The people felt astounded by His miracles and healing powers, but Jesus emphasised that His primary purpose was to preach and teach the Kingdom of God. He asserted, “I have to go to another place to preach to them too. They must hear that message. The people here have heard it, but they have focused only on the healing aspect. I need to move on.”
Jesus’ command to His disciples was to go into all the world and preach the gospel. We cannot reduce the preaching of the gospel to the mere performance of miracles. While miracles are good, they are not the core reason for His coming. His mission is to preach the Kingdom of God and call everyone to repent and be converted.
Jesus’ calling extends beyond physical healing. It encompasses the profound message of the Kingdom of God. His ultimate aim is not just to alleviate physical ailments but to bring people to become citizens of this Kingdom.
So, as believers, we have to tell others about Jesus. Have a conversation with someone you know who does not believe in Jesus. Find out why. Pray for an opportunity to share the gospel or your testimony of what Jesus has done for you. In addition, use Social Media. Your Facebook, Instagram and others are tools for the dissemination of the gospel. Do not be ashamed to proclaim this good news. There are numerous souls waiting for the message.
