Certain distinctions set Jesus’ ministry apart from the Pharisees. What kind of man was He that others would give up everything to follow Him? He had something to offer that no one else could offer.
I. Jesus had something special to offer
He demanded something from people: ‘Come follow Me!’ and then He offered what people need: ‘and I will make you to become…’ He is able to make you what you want to become or what you were made to accomplish in this life. Dr. Gray used to tell us at Miracle Valley: ‘God is looking for a band of men and women that are inwardly transformed by the Word of God!’ Jesus offered them the ultimate in line with their aspirations. What He has to offer is a life changing experience.
II. Jesus knew His source
Mark 1:35 tells us now in the morning having risen a long while before daylight He went out and departed to a solitary place and there He prayed. His authority lay in what His Father told Him to do. He operated by divine revelation – not like the Scribes and Pharisees who quoted one another. He had the heart for preaching and not only understood the art of preaching! During prayer His heart was shaped like the heart of God to reach men’s hearts. When Peter preached on the day of Pentecost under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit people were cut to the heart and wanted to be saved.
We read in Hebrews 5:7-9 how Jesus often prayed with strong crying and tears until he was made perfect through suffering before He became the author of salvation to all who believe in Him. When last have you and I shed some tears in prayer? You have authority over things you conquer in your own life.
Jesus knew how to rely on His source of power to overcome temptation and to resist sin even unto blood (Heb 12:4/ Heb 2:8)
He did not want to be cut off from His source of power.
III. Jesus understood His authority
After ending all temptation He returned in the power of the Spirit to begin His ministry (Luke 4:14) His authority lay in His obedience to God. He only did what His Father showed Him to do (John 5:19). He had authority to forgive sin and to heal the sick. (Luke 4:18) Therefore He also had authority to succour those who are tempted (Heb 2:18). He has authority to grant salvation to all who believe in Him. (Heb 5:7)
IV. Jesus had compassion
He had compassion on a multitude when He saw them like sheep with no shepherd and fed them miraculously with two fish and five loaves of bread. (Mat 9:36) He had compassion on the ignorant (Heb 5:2) and on the needy (Mark 1:14) but had no compassion on hypocrites.

Today Jesus is saying to you: ‘Follow Me and I will make you to become what you are supposed to be!’ To follow someone means you must walk at their pace. We are people who want things done in a hurry. But he who believes will not make haste.

Jesus connects you to His source and allows you as much authority as He can trust you with. His compassion flows over into your being so that you can have compassion on others. Someone will also have compassion on you. Perhaps you are shepherdless, ignorant or needy today: Jesus will have compassion on you!

Let the uniqueness of Jesus’ ministry touch you today. Reach out to Him by faith and tell Him what you need! He is ready to hear and to answer you today!

Amen.