News spreads fast in a small town. Soon, the town is buzzing about Jesus and what happened at the synagogue. Mark reports that Jesus with Simon, Andrew, James, and John, go to Simon’s house. There, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law of a fever. But the day is not over yet.
“As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. The whole town was assembled at the door, and he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying. Simon and his companions searched for him, and when they found him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.”” (Mark 1:29–38, CSB)
After the sun had set, the people of the town brought their sick and possed to the home. The sunset thing may seem like a bit of color, but there’s more to it. At sunset, the Sabbath day is completed. The town folk waited until then so as not to break the Sabbath. Jesus met these people where they were to heal their diseases and set the captives free.
After a long night of ministry, Jesus got up before dark and went to a secluded spot to pray. That should tell us something. Even though Jesus had a special relationship with the Father, He still set aside time to pray. That’s important for everyone, but even more so for those who minister in some capacity to God’s people. We can get caught up with life’s busyness and others’ needs. Yet, like Jesus, we need to get away to a quiet place to talk to God.
After Simon and the other disciples found Jesus, He said, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.” Jesus came to proclaim the truth. Specifically, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”” (Mark 1:15, CSB) Healing and deliverance followed. We will see a rhythm many times as we read through Mark. However, while Jesus healed, His focus and purpose were to preach the Good News. And while it is not recorded, it is easy to imagine that Jesus had many early morning prayers alone with the Father.
Let’s focus on this for a moment. Regardless of our role in the Kingdom, let’s always begin with prayer. That time alone with God is vital for all of us. Especially those in the visible “up-front” roles. Prayer keeps us right focused on Christ in humility instead of stroking our pride. We are not someone because God uses us; we are someone because we spend time with our Lord in prayer.
- Mark: Healing, Prayer, and Preaching - April 16, 2025
- Mark: With Authority - April 14, 2025
- Mark: Say Yes - April 9, 2025
