The Life of Christ

After their study they went on to further report: “No longer can the church pray for the sick with that faith-destroying phrase, ‘ if it be your will.’” • We learn from the totality of scripture that the only time it was not the will of Jesus to heal the sick was when unbelief was present, as seen at Nazareth.

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Mk. 1:35 And in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place and was praying there.

Jesus ’ day always started with early-morning prayer.

• While praying He realizes that it’s time to move on to the next town to minister, rather than remain here any longer.

Mk. 1:36-38 And Simon and his companions hunted for Him; 37 and they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 And He said to them, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, in order that I may preach there also; for that is what I came out for.”

This appears like a heartless thing to do, leaving all these people who had come to receive ministry.

• Jesus, however, maintains His heavenly itinerary; to remain any longer would have detoured Him from His course.

• Jesus was “purpose driven” (Lk. 4:43; Lk. 4:18-19).

• From here He began His second Galilean journey.

• In the walk of faith, some “higher -purpose-driven- decisions” often collide with other purposes of a lesser nature.

• Put simply, there’s a hierarchy of purposes that continues to shift and rearrange itself according to the present will of God.

We also observe how Jesus at times appeared quite rushed, while on other occasions He seemed to have all the time in the world.

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