Leviticus 26-27 Mark 2

“A few days later, when Jesus came back to Capernaum, the news spread that he was at home. Many people gathered together so that there was no room in the house, not even outside the door. And Jesus was teaching them God’s message.” (Mark 2:1-2)

Jesus drew crowds wherever He went. He preached in Galilee and people flocked to hear His message. Then, He headed back to Capernaum. When people found out that He was at His home base, they rushed to His house and filled the house and the area around the house. Jesus didn’t use tricks or gimmicks to get people to listen, He taught them God’s word that the Kingdom of God was at hand and that God welcomed them into His Kingdom. Yes, Jesus healed those who needed it while He taught, and one of the more well-known healings occurred further in this story, but more than anything, He sought to teach them about God’s love, forgiveness, and acceptance.

It’s true that Jesus didn’t have to compete with video games, movies, TV, sporting events, nor school events. Then again, He didn’t have Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or any other social media or traditional advertising to let people know what was going on. People flocked to see Him. Today, people aren’t as excited to hear from God. It’s easy to blame the distractors of this life, but I believe that too often people don’t hear about God’s love, forgiveness, and acceptance from us, they experience disdain and judgment. What would happen if people experienced Jesus in church? What would happen if people interacted with God’s people and felt love, forgiveness, and acceptance instead of the judgment? I believe we’d see an amazing outbreak of God’s spirit moving throughout the world. Want to do a simple exercise? Ask God if He needs you to help judge people. If He doesn’t say yes, try showing forgiveness and acceptance instead. I think great things will happen.

Lord, so many in our world are lost, broken, and hurting. Let me show them Your love and grace.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.