We now begin to see what it means for Jesus to preach about the Kingdom and call people to repentance with a series of examples.
- It means calling people to follow him and leave behind other priorities (1:16-20 and 2:13-17)
- It means calling evil spirits out of people. Captives are set free (1:21-28)
- It means healing (1:29-34)
- It means time alone with the Father (1:35)
- It means getting the message out to all (1:36-39)
- It means cleansing (1:40-45)
- It means forgiveness (2:1-12)
- It means reconciliation and restoration as undesirables find a welcome (2:13 -17)
Note the theme of cleanness and uncleanness. This is an important theme from the Old Testament. Being unclean through contact with dead bodies, through certain diseases, through possession and through certain bodily emissions separated your from God’s presence and the company of God’s people.
Notice there is both personal intimacy here -whether Jesus is alone talking to his Father, calling people by name or healing those within his immediate circle and crowd as Jesus heals and preaches to many.
The theme of the secret kingdom revealed in God’s time and way not at the agenda of others is introduced as Jesus forbids demons to speak about him.
Big Theme: The transforming call of the Kingdom/Gospel
Questions to ponder include:
- What is our response to God’s call?
- What transformation are we seeing in our lives and in the lives of others around?
Faithroots 