Jesus Goes to Work

Mark 1:14,15 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee and told people the Good News from God. He said, “The right time is now here. God’s kingdom is very near. Change your hearts and lives, and believe the Good News!”

Setting out on a new venture is always dicey. You take that first step somewhat tentatively. You want it to be a good start. You don’t want to upset people on day one.

Back in my IT consulting days when I’d begin a project with a new client, those first few days were always difficult. What’s the lay of the land? Who are the power brokers whose toes I don’t want to step on?

So, let’s say you’re the Son of God. Up until now, you’ve been tucked away in a nice safe little carpenter’s shop in Nazareth making – I don’t know – chairs, doors, coffins perhaps. But then the day comes when you have to step out into what your Father sent you here to do.

So how did Jesus handle that transition from the old to the new; from the familiar to this new venture that would lead to the Cross?

Mark 1:14,15 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee and told people the Good News from God. He said, “The right time is now here. God’s kingdom is very near. Change your hearts and lives, and believe the Good News!”

John the Baptist has just been thrown into jail – soon to be executed. You’d think Jesus would play it safe, but no. Instead, He calls people to account for their sin; He challenges their entrenched behaviours; He calls them to turn away from evil and back to God.

So seriously did He take their sin, and ours, that He was prepared to lay down His life to call us out of it.

The right time is now here. God’s kingdom is very near. Change your heart and your life, and believe the Good News!

That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.