Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, and Luke 4:42-5:11
RTNT 2021. And the people sought Him and came to Him, and would have kept Him from leaving them, but He said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well… (vv. Luke 4:42b-43a) Mark also reports one of the disciples saying to Jesus “Everyone is looking for you.” (Mark 1:37b) I’m wondering how much we keep Jesus to ourselves or how much we try to trap Jesus into our lifestyle or our way of worship. Here the Galileans are being selfish in their wanting to keep Jesus with them. I’m not sure that we’re selfish – we’re probably more nervous about sharing Jesus with others, but the outcome is the same. If we have Truth this good in our lives, how can we hold it in? Jesus wants out! I’m regularly reminded of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, when they were ordered not to speak of Jesus anymore: “We can’t help but speak of the things we’ve seen and heard!” (Acts 4:20, slightly edited) Jesus wants out!
See also: February 13 / Matthew 4:23-25; February 14 / Mark 1:35-39; February 15 / Luke 4:42-5:11
In Luke 5:8 we see and hear Simon fearful of Jesus because they hauled in so many fish at His command to lower their nets one more time; “Oh Lord, please leave me….”. I also see Simon feeling unworthy of being in Christ’s presence because “…I’m too much of a sinner to be around You.” It’s like Simon’s figuring out who he’s with, at least from the standpoint of a powerful God. Remembering my past, I was very much like Simon, ashamed to be in Christ’s presence because of what I had done.
Then in Luke 5:10 we see Jesus telling Simon, “Don’t be afraid…”, encouraging Simon, drawing him in. Just like He did with me years ago.
Jesus doesn’t want to scare us away. We shouldn’t run from Him, but run to Him.
Well said, Bruce! Love the personal touch…!