Lots of Jesus today – I love that!  The writers of the Gospels often record the same histories – if you will take the time to read each one, you might notice slight differences in their perspectives.  Remember that repetition is good as you are studying! Please read Mark 1:14-15, Matthew 4:12-17, Luke 3:23, John 4:46-54, Luke 4:16-30, Mark 1:16-20, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37, Mark 1:29-34, Matthew 8:14-17, Luke 4:38-41, Mark 1:35-39,  Luke 4:42-44, and Matthew 4:23-25.  What’s your take-a-way today?

“Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.”                     Mark 1:15 MSG

Matthew 4:20 says the disciples didn’t even ask questions – they just dropped their nets and followed Jesus. Sometimes (all the time), it takes that kind of crazy faith to truly follow Christ successfully: don’t ask, just go. Don’t worry, just trust. Don’t hesitate, just act in obedience because you have that much trust in the One leading you.

p.s. I did just say “don’t ask, just go”, but let me qualify that.  By now, we know each other well enough for a little grace, but just in case: We are ALWAYS allowed to ask!  There is never anything wrong with asking!  As you are following the Lord, He encourages the dialogue – He wants to speak to us – but it’s as we are following, while we are following. Sometimes, we can get deceived into thinking that our questions are more important than God’s wisdom. Sometimes we can allow our questions (and the answers that in our limited wisdom we think are missing) to stop our progress.  Allow a learning curve to be part of your process.  Trust that as you follow Jesus, more and more will become clear.  He is always working things out for your benefit.  Don’t let a question stop you in your tracks – move forward to the Answer!

Didn’t have time to hit all the highlights, but what else did you notice? I see that Jesus healed everyone. He didn’t allow the devil to speak.  He is always representing the Father well. What a tremendous example!