Blaze Abroad the Matter

“But he went out, and began to publish it much and to blaze abroad the matter..” (Mark 1:45a)

In one of my marketing classes, I understood that the major aim of marketing is to meet the identified needs of customers or consumers as the case may be. While every business owner is bent on making profit, it is expedient to satisfy the needs of the people and that is what marketing is designed to achieve. I was introduced to the 4Ps of marketing also known as the marketing mix: Product, Price, Place (distribution) and Promotion. I have come to realize that every aspect of life embraces marketing and God’s Kingdom is not left out.

In Mark Chapter One, a leper beseeched Jesus Christ to heal him and, moved with compassion, Jesus touched him and the leprosy disappeared. With excitement and joy, the healed man began telling people about Jesus Christ and his healing. The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition simplifies it this way, “But he went out and began to talk so freely about it and blaze abroad the news [spreading it everywhere]..”  (See Mark 1:40 – 45). Despite Jesus’ warning not to tell anyone about it, this man saw and felt the value of Jesus Christ – ‘product’, and started sharing the news. I remember that ‘Product’ is described as the goods and services offered by a business to meet the needs of its target market with considerations such as quality, features, branding, packaging and life cycle. This man understood that in a world where most people are oppressed, depressed, hungry, confused, battered, frustrated, disappointed, suffering, to name but a few, Jesus Christ is the quality, well packaged and long-lasting ‘product’ that can satisfy their most felt needs.

In terms of pricing, I was told in the class that ‘Price’ is the amount charged for a product or service. The only price or value we can exchange to have Jesus Christ is to believe and confess Him as Lord and Savior while maintaining a harmonious relationship with Him. On several occasions, Jesus warned the people He delivered not to tell anyone about it. I believe Jesus did not want much fame as many want these days. He wanted to walk freely on the streets without being mobbed (See Mark 1:45b). However, before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He commanded every believer to share the gospel. The gospel or good news is healing to those who are sick and satisfaction to those who lack and suffer hunger. It is direction to those who are confused about life and light to those living in darkness.

Jesus Christ gave every believer a marketing clue – place to share the good news: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (See Mark 16:15a) Scholars describe ‘Place’ as the channels or methods used to distribute and deliver products and services to customers. The world Jesus mentioned refers to our workplace, professional associations, business environment, academic environment and so on. In John Chapter Nine, the man who was born blind used the ‘personal selling’ marketing strategy to promote Jesus Christ and His works. I can recall that ‘Promotion’ is defined as the methods used to communicate the value of a good or service to customers and convince them to buy. When he was questioned about his healing, this fellow publicly proclaimed, “Whether He be a sinner or not, I know not; one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” (See John 9:25) The advancement in digital technology has made it easier to make the good works of Jesus Christ go viral. Online platforms, social media and emails are some of the channels through which believers can share the good news. What motivates us to share a message or video that ends up going viral? Has God been good to you? Did you sleep and wake up this morning? Do you appreciate the air you breathe? Do you love God? Does your lifestyle radiate Jesus’ character and principles? Then blaze Jesus Christ and His faithfulness abroad as a commissioned marketer and let the Holy Spirit do the conviction and conversion.

As the blind cannot lead the blind, you can only tell others about Jesus Christ when you have accepted Him into your life. Say this prayer of salvation: Dear Jesus, come into my heart. I accept You as my Lord and Savior. I believe and confess that you died and rose again to save me. Wash my sins away. I declare that I am born again. I will not fail to tell others about Your good works. Amen.

By Sunday Omori