Jesus continued on His teaching ministry. Often, He taught in parables; because, the people just did not fully comprehend. He would explain the parables to His apostles. However, they were slow to really understand. Where ever He went, He healed people. Huge crowds would surround seeking that physical healing. Although, the demons recognized Him for who He was; many of the crowds did not. Yet, as we come to end of Mark chapter 4 and into the beginning of chapter 5; we see the story of just how far Jesus was willing to go for one lost soul. There were many seeking His powers of healing. Many who wanted what He could provide. Yet, in some isolated catacombs, far to the other side of the sea stood a man so tormented. He had not even heard of the spreading fame of Jesus.
“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them ‘Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35). So they set out on the little boat, Jesus exhausted from all the work of the day falls sound asleep. Though entering the boat was a way to separate from the crowds for a moment of rest, knowing they were truly seeking only the gifts and not the giver of the gifts. They really did not fully understand that He came, leaving the splendors of heaven; so as to die a cruel death on a cross to pay the price for their sins. Not even, His chosen apostles fully understood the truth of His being God’s only begotten son. Other boats tried to follow His little boat. Then came the storm.
ONE LOST SOUL
The apostles had watched Jesus heal the lame. They listened to Him teach. Yet, amid a raging storm they were afraid; even with Jesus in their presence. What happened to the other boats? Most likely, when they saw the storm; they turned away, leaving Jesus. Peacefully, Jesus slept in the midst of the storm raging around Him. They cried out to Him, “Don’t you care if we die?” He was more concerned about growing their faith through the storm. He arose and commanded the storm, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39). Despite all the miracles witnessed, the apostles were afraid; because the wind obeyed His voice. They did not really comprehend fully who He was or is. Do we?
Or do we understand the full mission? They did not. When they reached the other side of the sea, in the country of the Gadarenes. “when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces,neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones” (Mark 5:2-5).
Healing One Lost Soul
So, it was that Jesus crossed the storm laden sea, leaving the crowds behind, to go to and heal the man possessed by many demons. The crowds aghast that Jesus cared for this lost soul, bid Him leave their land. They cared more for the swine who died than for this one man. Furthermore, the man wanted to go with the apostles, to remain near Jesus. Yet, Jesus sent him out as a missionary to his people. He did as Jesus commanded him do, eagerly facing the hostile crowds with the truth. “Jesus came to save sinners, one lost soul at a time.”
Don’t miss the significance of this. Jesus crossed the sea, to save one lost soul. Afterward, he crossed over the sea again where the crowds were awaiting Him. One man, one desperately lost soul had needed to be saved. Are you concerned about even one lost soul? Are you willing to weather whatever storm God sends, to reach a dying lost soul? “ For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
Beyond that, Jesus is just as concerned about one of His sheep who stumbles along this journey of life.
ONE LOST SHEEP
Jesus is also concerned with those who are His sheep. He is the great shepherd who cares for each sheep. All too often, we want to condemn and cast aside a lost sheep. We judge them and cast them out of the fold; but, not Jesus. He pursues them with His passionate love, seeing the danger they are in.
“I myself will be the Shepherd of my sheep and cause them to lie down in peace,” the Lord God says. “(It is I who) will seek my lost ones, those who strayed away, and bring them safely home again. I will put splints and bandages upon their broken limbs and heal the sick” (Ezekiel 34:15-16 TLB).
So, whether you are the lost soul who never knew Him as Savior or the lost sheep covered with scars; Jesus bids you come. His loving arms are reached out to you; because, He loves you and there is healing in His arms.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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JUST RELEASED
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Recently released Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Living Bible (TLB)
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.