The Gospel of MarkSample

In yesterday's reading, we saw an extremely negative reaction to Jesus’ teaching. At the end of the chapter, verses 54 through 56 show a very opposite reaction to Jesus. Wherever Jesus went, people immediately recognized Him and brought all their sick and hurting to Him. Differences show up between the two reactions but are not a result of who Jesus is or what He does. In both scenarios, Jesus heals people and shares His good news. But as they approach a loving and generous Jesus, the hearts and hands of the people respond in kind… Running from place to place with joy, going out of their way to bring everyone physically close to Jesus.

Today, we don’t have the physical person of Jesus here to bring our sick and hurting to. However, believers are called to become the embodiment of Jesus' personal presence, the Holy Spirit. God still calls each of His children to go from place to place, bringing people close to Himself through the experience of His generosity, love, care, hope, and joy.

As you go about your day, what specific ways can you embody the character of God?