A Better Way预览

Uncluttered Pursuit of His Mission

Do you ever feel pulled in a million directions by the constant demands on your life? Sometimes it feels like we have way more responsibilities than we have time to manage, and it leaves us feeling depleted and restless.

But what if there’s a better way? 

Jesus was laser-focused on His mission—seeking and saving the lost—but He was never hurried, overwhelmed, or distracted. So if we’re called to follow Jesus, it makes sense that our lives should reflect His priorities and His pace. 

We can learn several things about the way Jesus pursued His mission in Mark chapter two. It describes Jesus walking along—not hurrying, but walking—until He finds a notorious tax collector named Levi. 

Most people would have rejected and despised Levi because of his occupation. He likely cheated people out of their money and was described as “corrupt.” Jesus had a different approach.  

Jesus invites Levi to follow Him. They walk to Levi’s house, where Jesus eats with many other known sinners and tax collectors. The Pharisees—religious leaders of the day—are furious. 

They can’t understand why Jesus would eat with sinners, and Jesus simply replies: 

… “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Mark 2:17 NIV

Jesus was clear about why He came and why He didn’t. Jesus didn’t come to appease the religious leaders. He came to heal the hurting, the lost, and the broken. 

What can we learn about Him through this short passage?  

1. Jesus came to seek the lost. If we follow Jesus, we’re called to do what He did and love those He loved. The question is—are we taking time to seek the lost? And if not, how can we start making it a priority?  
2. Jesus was never hurried. Note that Jesus was walking when He called Levi. Not running. Not hurrying. Walking. So, if we follow Jesus, it’s reasonable that our pace would match His. As you think about your life, would you describe it as hurried or unhurried? How might you slow down to truly follow in Jesus’ steps?  
3. Jesus didn’t allow other people’s opinions to disrupt His obedience. When the Pharisees criticized Him, He didn’t get defensive or angry. He was clear but firm about why He came. He stayed connected to His mission despite other people’s questions. So, let’s consider this: Are we allowing the opinions of others to be more important than our obedience to God?  
4. Jesus spent time with people and made room for them at His table. We see Jesus teaching and eating with several people throughout His ministry. He prioritized community. Do we? Or have we allowed our independence to be more important than our service? 

We don’t have to live in perpetual stress and overwhelm. Instead, we can choose—like Jesus—to stay on an uncluttered pursuit of His mission. We can get rid of distractions and spend our time on actions that allow us to love God and love others. 

Pray: God, help me to prioritize the things You came to emphasize. Remove any and all distractions that are weighing me down and keeping me from what matters most. Show me how to live in an uncluttered pursuit of Your mission. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Practice: Think about ways you could serve others this week. Then, go do it!