Jesus Preaches in Galilee
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. Mark 1:35-39 ESV
I have always found this passage both intriguing and challenging. Both in this instance and in many others, it always blows my mind that right in the midst of the heaviness of Jesus’ ministry, He always seems to be stealing away to be with and draw strength from His Father. It makes me ask the question…
Do we do the same in the busyness of our life and work?
I am also struck by WHEN Jesus does this in this passage—“very early in the morning, while it was still dark.” I don’t know about you guys but if I had cast out a demon only to go hang out with friends and heal a fever, I’d be looking for a little sleeping in the next morning, not rising very early to pray! ; ) Again, the amazing focus and clarity of Jesus to know what He needed even more than sleep—the presence and power of God.
Do we do the recognize the same need in our lives?
I am also challenged by verse 38. Jesus is also crystal clear about what He has come to do—to go on to the next towns and preach because that is why He came out.
Do live with the same clarity in regard to our mission in our lives?
As we continue to journey through Mark and God continues to raise difficult questions for us through His Word, let us not lose sight of the fact that Jesus is both our MODEL and our MEANS. He doesn’t just give us an example to follow. He provides the power we need to do it. May we all depend on Him even more in the days to come.
