Why?

And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon ‘s mother- in- law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, ” Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. (Mark 1:29-39, ESV)

As you read this text I am sure you, like me, and the majority of other people are fixated on the healing. Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law and then the sick people are brought in droves to Him so they can be healed.

He had to sneak away in the wee morning hours to get some alone time. And when the disciples find Him, they ask Him where He was because “everyone was looking for Him.” They needed to be healed and they needed to see Him and have Him heal them!

But Jesus’ response is one we need to focus on.

While we are focused on the healing, Jesus is focused on preaching and spreading the good news. Jesus answer to the disciples question of where He was is “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Jesus came to spread the good news, not to heal.

He came to tell us of the wonderful life we could have in God, and because of that we are made well!