What Jesus Did! 'Sticking with the Mission' — Luke 4:42-44

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Early the next morning [after healing many people and casting out many demons,] Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, "I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent." So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea.
— Luke 4:42-44 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus sometimes went to isolated, quiet places to be alone with the Father; they were places of renewal and relationship for Jesus. They were places of renewal because they were where he reconnected with his Father and his Father's will. They were places of relationship because Jesus would speak directly and privately with his Father. After being wildly successful blessing people and making things better, Jesus was now fully committed to going to other villages and sharing the Good News because that was an essential part of his mission. Since Jesus took time to be alone with the Father in special places, then we must follow his example and do the same. If we don't, then we will continue to be distracted by seemingly urgent things and lose our focus on the things most important and essential to our mission!

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive me when I try to do my ministry on my own. I recognize that my wisdom is shallow and lacking, especially when there are so many pressing and seemingly urgent demands. Please show me your will and help me to stay focused on your mission for my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 5:16
  • Luke 11:1-4
  • James 1:5-8

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 4:42-44 NLT — "I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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