With Christ in the Marketplace

As Christians we sometimes say that we pattern our lives after Jesus by asking the question, “WWJD – What would Jesus do?” In reality we don't need to ask that question, but we need to ask, “WDJD – What did Jesus do?” We are to pattern our lives after what Jesus did. So before we continue examining Christ's miracles, I would like to take this opportunity to consider Christ in the marketplace. A quick review of the gospels will reveal that, although Jesus ministered in the synagogues, temple, and in private personal work, Christ's main ministry was in public. He minister in the marketplace of activity and ideas. At some other time we will look examine the other areas of Christ's work, but for now lets go with Jesus into the marketplace. Let's use Mark 5:21-24 as our text.

“And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea (Mark 5:21).” At this point in Jesus ministry He was becoming famous. His miracles and message were coming up more and more often in conversation. Human nature being consistent, people are drawn to celebrity. Most of the people that met Jesus at the boat that day were just curious about this man that had become so famous in recent days. Yet, Jesus rarely avoided the crowds. Why? First, because it was mankind that Jesus came to save. Jesus came to save sinners and these rarely went to the synagogue in His time or the church in ours. Also, Jesus was about the business of discipling His disciples – training them how to do the work of the ministry. Their work was patterned after the example of Jesus and His ministry. So much of Jesus' training of His disciples was by His example. Even when Jesus was instructing them it was more often than not in public with a crowd of people eaves dropping in on the lesson. If we'll think about it we will learn a good lesson from Christ's example.


The next two verses in our text tell of a brokenhearted father. “And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live (Mark 5:22-23).” How often do we find Jesus confronted by a person in crisis. “Come, my son is dying...” Come, my daughter is dying...” “If you will you can make me whole...” All people in crisis. The pastor may get this call, but seldom from total strangers. Jesus was constantly face with people in need. The need was real, it was critical, and they needed help now! In every case Jesus met the need – though not always as the one in crisis expected. People have always been needy. Even those that appear to have no earthly need need the Savior and Jesus was there for them (John 3). Every met need promoted the spread of the gospel and the salvation of souls.


“And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.” There seemed to be crowds of people that followed Jesus to see what would happen next. Curiosity seekers are everywhere – witness the gawkers at nearly every car accident. When Jairus asked for help, others, curious about what Jesus would do, followed. How many come to faith in Christ seemingly by accident instead of intent? These were not truth seekers. They were just curious, but having seen what Jesus did, they believed to the saving of their souls. How many in the crowd of curious followers later became dedicated disciples of Christ?


Every follower of Christ must ask the question, “What did Jesus do?” Once asked and answered by scripture, we have one duty to perform: Do what Jesus did. Don't reject the crowds in the marketplace. Embrace and bring the gospel to them. Don't invite them to church. Invite them to follow Christ. Meet them in the crisis of their need and do everything that we can to wisely meet that need. Make the crowds curious and use that curiosity to lead them to Christ. What did Jesus do? You know what He did, now follow Jesus by doing the same in the marketplace.