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Jesus’ Ministry on Earth

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. (Matthew 4:23–25)

Jesus came to earth with a great purpose: to proclaim the kingdom of God, to die, and to rise again. By his death and resurrection, he defeated death, forgiving our sin and granting us true life. His life, death, resurrection, and ascension are gifts for us, and they’re also examples to us. Jesus shows us how to love God and others.

Jesus’ earthly ministry kicked off with his baptism in the Jordan River. It was an incredible sight. As Jesus came out of the water the Holy Spirit came down like a dove and God’s voice could be heard saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). After his baptism, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness, praying and preparing for what was to come. During those forty days, Satan tempted Jesus to try to get him to use his power for his own worldly benefit instead of staying in line with God’s plan. However, Jesus resisted Satan with Scripture and won, standing firm against temptation.

When Jesus returned from the wilderness, he preached the kingdom of God, cast out demons, and performed miracles. His message was simple: “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15). Jesus chose twelve disciples, sending them out to proclaim the kingdom and perform miracles. He also taught them about God’s blessing, the law, prayer, judgment, and truth.

During his ministry on earth, Jesus rooted his actions in his message of love and forgiveness. His actions and his message stopped people in their tracks. With power and authority, Jesus commanded demons to flee, wind and weather to be calm, the sick to be well, the crippled to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the mute to speak, and the dead to rise.

Jesus’ message and might made the political and religious leaders uncomfortable and suspicious of him. He was a threat to their power! Worse yet, he openly confronted their abuse and oppression. He spoke against their hypocrisy and stopped them from ripping people off in the temple, reestablishing it as a place of worship. Jesus knew that his words and deeds would upset the political and religious leaders who were in power. He warned his followers that he would die, but that they should not fear because he would rise from the dead.

Jesus’ miracles and message are the same today. We believe in him, knowing that he is in control even when our circumstances look different than we expect.

Reflect on these questions after reading Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 2:1–12; Mark 7.

• How does it help you to know Jesus was tempted too?
• How does Jesus use Scripture? In what ways could you apply that practice in your own life?
• Why do you think the powerful political and religious leaders felt threatened by Jesus?
• Over what and whom does Jesus have power?

Pray

Today’s prayer comes from John 17:3–4, 13–19.

Father, eternal life is to know you and Jesus Christ. May I bring you glory by doing your will. Teach me to do your will. Give me your joy. Protect me from evil. Make me more like you as your word changes me. In Jesus’ name, amen.