Three Characteristics of our Lord's Ministry.

I recently read from Mark chapter 1 in my daily Bible reading and three characteristics of our Lord's ministry and preaching stood out in my mind.

• His Scriptural Doctrine. Mark 1:22, "And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." Our Lord's preaching was based upon solid Bible doctrine.  In this day of great apostasy and worldliness, the fundamental doctrines of Scripture must be proclaimed.
  

• His Spiritual Authority. Mark 1:27, "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him." Over and over the people were amazed at the authority with which He preached.  The pharisees and other religious leaders bristled at His authoritative preaching, but the power of God was upon Him and they could not resist the authority with which He spake.
  

• His Sincere Compassion. Mark 1:41, "And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean." Throughout His entire ministry, Jesus continually and sacrificially gave of Himself for the good of others and the glory of God.
  

We would do well to emulate these attributes of our Lord's ministry.  Let's pray together that God will give us the power of His Holy Spirit and that we can boldly declare the great doctrines of Scripture as we give of ourselves to bring others to Christ and glory to God.