In Capernaum, Jesus was teaching on the Sabbath. His teaching had authority and power. Even a demon that had possessed a man responded rebelliously to Jesus' words. Jesus gave orders to the demon and drove the impure spirits out of the man. People were amazed at the authority and power of Jesus' words. Jesus went to Simon's house and healed Simon's mother-in-law by rebuking a high fever that obeyed Jesus' words. At sunset, the people brought the sick and the demon-possessed. And Jesus laid his hands on each one and healed them all. Jesus' words have power and authority to heal and give life to those who hear and accept, and to destroy and expel the evil force of Satan.

At daybreak Jesus went to pray in a solitary place and had God's direction. The crowds pleaded with Jesus to stay, but Jesus followed God's direction and visited other towns to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the world. Healing and caring for the needy are good works, yet what the world needs most is the good news of the kingdom of God. God sent Jesus to proclaim the kingdom of God. The priority of Jesus' people is to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.


Application: Lord, help me to hear your life-giving words and to proclaim the kingdom of God.
One Word: The kingdom of God as first priority