[Biblemat] A) INFLUENCE OF JESUS

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Friday morning
to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.  Here is an 
article from my files:

INFLUENCE OF JESUS

       It seems that no matter where Jesus went during His minist-
ry, He caused a stir.  More importantly, He led people to action.
Those who observed His behavior and teaching were moved to
do something.  A great example of this is found in Mk. 1.  Notice
how the people responded:

       Jesus called to Peter and Andrew, "Follow Me, and I will make you 
become fishers of men" (vs. 17).  They immediately left their nets and followed 
Him.  They obeyed the Lord.

       Jesus was teaching as one having authority (vs. 22) and there was a 
man in the synagogue with an unclean spirit.  Jesus
commanded the spirit to come out of the man.  He did so and the
people were amazed with Jesus (vs. 27).

       A leper approached Jesus imploring Him to cleanse him (vs.
40).  Jesus was moved with compassion and did so.  Jesus told
him not to tell anyone what had happened but to show himself
to the priest.  Yet the former leper went out and "began to procla
im it freely" (vs. 45).  The matter spread so much that Jesus could no longer 
openly enter the city.  Instead He taught in deserted places, allowing the 
people to come to Him.

       We have heard about Jesus so often that perhaps we fail to
sense the excitement that the Galilean people had.  They were
genuinely touched by Jesus being with them.  No matter where
He went, there was a crowd.

       Jesus has done some remarkable things in the lives of Christians.  He 
has transformed us from death to life.  He gives
us strength and comfort in our times of need.  He has promised
us an eternal home in heaven.

       We should take the example we find in Mk. 1 and respond
accordingly.  Obey Him, be amazed by Him and proclaim Him.
Remember, there are still people who need to be impressed with
Jesus!     -------------- Shane Williams in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 9, No. 
2, June 2008.   </HTML>
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