Jesus in Power and in Prayer
And they were all amazed… “What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” (Mark 1:27,35)
Our Lord Jesus Christ was quickly rising to fame in Galilee due to mighty words and mighty works. His captivating preaching and conspicuous power were celebrated and sought after. His hearers were amazed then, and even his readers today are amazed. The most valuable response could only arise from a clear appreciation that Jesus’ life was characterized with a balance of power illustrated and disciplined prayer. This reflection examines why he worked the wonders, how he kept his ministry focus, and what he did with the fame.
The visitations of Jesus Christ in synagogues or in homes were great blessings with sweet words and transforming miracles. Mark 1 records Jesus teaching in the synagogue, and thereafter defeating and casting out an unclean spirit; he then went to a friend’s home and powerfully ministered to the town that evening (v.21-34). These actions attested to the Lord’s teaching about the imminent kingdom of God. The evil spirit in the synagogue was seeing more than just a man in Jesus Christ; it was seeing greater power that could expel and even destroy the powers of darkness. This is exactly what happened there and at the evening ministry – Jesus cast out many demons. People should not only hear about but also see the evidence of the more powerful kingdom that Jesus Christ represents; therefore they should believe his words and put their faith in Him and thereby receive this kingdom.
As to how the Lord kept his ministry focus and effectiveness, one verse is helpful, yet it is almost hidden in the more amazing events: “a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed” (v.35). Prayer is the crucial discipline that characterized the life of this busy man, giving him impetus to work. We are not informed of the exact time when he went out, but it was a great while before day, maybe at 3am or earlier. Many other places record Jesus in prayer, and in some instances he prays all night! The importance of prayer in daily life and especially in ministry cannot be overstated; if the Lord himself needed it, then how about mere mortals? Prayer was the necessary fuel that kept the Lord’s ministry engine running effectively.
With all the great things happening, Jesus was in danger of being made king by force by those who longed for a political liberator. He could have let it be and enjoyed the earthly honour and glory, but he did not. And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out” (v.38). He instead went to other places, so that they may hear and see the kingdom of God. In the same way, earthly glories should never cause one to lose their vision and purpose. More on this will be shared next Sunday.
God bless you all.