This is the beginning of the good news of Jesus, the anointed. It is written in Isaiah: “I will send my messenger to you who will prepare your way, a voice calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for God, making straight paths.’”
John came, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism signifying a change of heart and a return to the will of God. Many from the Judean countryside and Jerusalem sought his ministry and were baptized in the Jordan River after confession of the ways they strayed from God. John was clothed in camel’s hair and wore a leather girdle (garbed similar to how Elijah is reputed to have dressed. Could this be a sign of the age?). He ate locusts and wild honey. John preached that someone’s ministry would follow and transcend his own. John claimed this person was so great that he wasn’t worthy of removing their shoes. John baptized with water, but told of one who would baptize with Holy Spirit.
Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. When he came out of the water, the Spirit hovered over him and he heard a voice saying, “You are my beloved son, with whom I am pleased.”
Jesus then went into the wilderness for 40 days, during which time he was tempted (to abandon the work he was called to). He lived among the animals.
After John was arrested, Jesus returned to Galilee, preaching his message, that this historic time signaled a change in the way people should practice religion. God’s kingdom was within grasp if people could believe in a world where God was present and live like it was so.
As Jesus passed the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew (brothers) fishing (fishing was a profitable profession). Jesus called them to join his ministry and fish for people. They left their business and followed. Farther along, they came to Simon and John (brothers and sons of Zebedee), mending their fishing nets. Jesus called them as well; they left their father and servants to follow him. They went to Capernaum, where Jesus entered the synagogue (on the Sabbath) and taught. The people were astonished by Jesus’ teaching, for he taught like someone speaking for God, unlike the religious officials of the time. A man in the synagogue cried out, “What have you come to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus’ followers assumed the man was possessed. Jesus told the man to be quiet, exorcising the spirit. The man convulsed as the spirit left him. The people were amazed and wondered what this meant. They were curious about Jesus’ teaching and his authority over what they deemed supernatural. They were awed by his command and soon the surrounding communities were talking about Jesus. After they left the synagogue that day, they (including James and John) went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick, which they told Jesus about. Jesus took her hand and lifted her. She no longer felt sick and served them.
At sundown that day, Jesus’ followers brought Jesus other sick people. Many gathered outside of the home. He healed many people that night.
Very early the next morning, Jesus found a secluded place to pray. Simon and the disciples followed him. Jesus told them they would go to another town and preach, for it was what he had to do. They traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in synagogues and healing.
Someone ritually unclean sought out Jesus and asked to be made clean. Jesus pitied the man and reached out, touched him, and pronounced him clean. Jesus sent the man away and told him not to tell people, but to show the priest and make the prescribed sacrifice. However, the man spoke openly about Jesus’ deed, so much so that Jesus had to stay out in the countryside to avoid crowds. People came to him seemingly from everywhere.
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