Jesus’ Mission: Deliverance and Service

In Mark 1, after the calling of Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John, Jesus along with His disciples went to Capernaum. Immediately, on the Sabbath entering the synagogue, He taught. Many who heard Him were amazed as He taught with authority. In addition to His influential teaching, Jesus rebuked an unclean spirit who possessed a man, commanding it to be silent and depart from him. Consequently, the fame of Jesus spread throughout all the region around Galilee. 

After healing Peter’s mother-in-law and meeting the needs of many others who were demon possessed, and sick, He got up early the next morning to pray. After His disciples found Him, He said to them, Mark 1:38, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”    

In Luke’s account, Luke writes, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

This preaching of Jesus regarding the Kingdom of GOD was a message of deliverance. The rule or dominion of GOD was at hand, this is not to say for a moment that GOD did not have rule or dominion, however, a specific act, that involved Jesus was at hand in which deliverance from sin and dominion over death would take place. This was good news! Jesus told His disciples for this purpose I have been sent. The response required of the people was repent and believe this good news, the Gospel. Mark 1:15

Responding to the Gospel, which results in deliverance, means more than just being set free. We are delivered for a purpose. We are not being set free to live however we choose.  

When GOD delivered the children of Israel through Moses, it is clear that Israel was being delivered to serve.

Exodus 4:23  “Let My son go that he may serve Me.”

Exodus 7:16  “Let My people go, that they may serve Me…”

Exodus 8:1 “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”

Exodus 8:20 “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”

Exodus 9:1  “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”

Exodus 9:13  “Let My people go, that they may serve Me…”

Exodus 10:3 “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”

“Let my people go, so that they may serve me…” The enslavement of God’s people by the Egyptians prevented them from serving Him. God’s purpose in sending Moses was to deliver His people so they could serve. Their deliverance was not merely an escape from a dire situation or an opportunity to indulge in worldly desires and pleasures. Instead, the freedom they received had a higher purpose: serve God.

We should never assume that God delivers us so we may live as we please; rather, He delivers us to fulfill His divine purpose, which ultimately works for our good.

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