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!
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