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[Jesus] went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and
illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they
brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked
with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and
he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,
Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.
Matthew 4:23–24
Once Jesus began healing the sick, expelling demons, curing
paralytics, and performing other miracles, news about Him spread
rapidly, reaching far beyond the boundaries of modern-day Israel.
Galilee comprised northern Israel, while the Decapolis referred to
a group of ten major cities in what are modern-day Jordan, Israel,
and Syria. Jerusalem, the religious and cultural heart of Judaism,
was the most important Jewish city, and Judea encompassed the
territory surrounding Jerusalem in southern Israel. Ancient Syria
covered a broader area than modern-day Syria, including parts of
what are now Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. Jesus’ fame spread
throughout this vast and diverse region, which included Jews,
Greeks, Romans, and other ethnic groups.
Today, it’s not uncommon for news stories or social media posts to
go viral, given the immediacy and vast outreach of the Internet.
“Going viral” in Jesus’ time was much different. Word-of-mouth
passed from person to person, town to town, transcending cultural
and linguistic boundaries. Jews, Greeks, Romans, and others began
to hear about the astonishing things happening through Jesus of
Nazareth, prompting many to believe.
It’s true that miracles naturally draw attention, especially from
those in need of one. Many likely came to see Jesus out of
curiosity or fascination. Could the stories be true? Could He
really heal the sick, give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf,
and even raise the dead?
Sadly, much of what goes viral today is shocking or scandalous.
Such news often spreads quickly but fades just as fast. That was
not the case with our Lord. Though some were drawn to Him only
because of His miracles, countless others were completely
transformed by Him, so much so that the Good News of Jesus
continues to be one of the most talked about and impactful events
in human history.
The Bible is the most widely read and published book in history and
has been translated into more languages than any other book.
Despite this, billions of people today still do not know Jesus as
their Savior. Instead, they are bombarded with shock and scandal,
extreme drama, pornography, and every other form of instant
sensationalism. In an era when communication is so easy,
far-reaching, and instantaneous, we, as members of Christ’s Body,
the Church, must do all we can to spread the Gospel to the ends of
the earth.
Reflect today upon the billions of people around the world who do
not know that Jesus Christ is the one and only Lord and Messiah.
Imagine what could happen if the entire world turned to Him,
surrendered their lives to Him, and sought His holy will with all
their hearts. As you ponder this spiritual challenge, prayerfully
place yourself at the service of Christ and His Gospel. Sometimes
our mission is to focus on close family and friends. At other
times, we might be called to a much broader mission, even in a
“viral” way. Strive to become as holy as you can so that our Lord
can use you however He chooses.
My saving Lord, though many in our world know of You, many do
not know You in a personal and faith-filled way. Please save souls,
dear Lord, by sending Your saving message to all. I pray for the
conversion of the entire world and offer myself to You to use me as
You will. Jesus, I trust in You.
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