Reflection from my reading in Mark 1:23-45 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Jesus was one of the most busy people on the planet, yet he still set boundaries. Jesus’ example shows us that the more busy you become, the more intentional you have to be with your time.

Jesus Made Prayer A Priority

“That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons… 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.” Mark 1:32, 35

Notice that it was at sunset when Jesus started a session of healing people and many were brought to him. Instead of sleeping in after a hard day of work, he got up early before it was still dark and prayed.

Jesus didn’t let the fact that he was tired keep him from praying. Jesus knew that the more tired he was, the more he needed connection with the Father.

I am guilty of slacking in my prayer life with I have a busy schedule, but that is precisely the time when I need to pray the most.

Jesus Kept His Priorities 

“And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 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.” Mark 1:36–38

I picture Simon running up breathing heavy saying “everyone is looking for you, look at all these people that love you and want you.”

Jesus was not controlled by the desires of others but was committed to his purpose. 

Jesus was able to say no to the crowds so that he could say yes to his missions.  Jesus said no for a bigger yes. 

Jesus knew that becoming a local hero was not his mission. There were many other towns that needed his message and healing.

What Jesus’ Boundaries Allowed Him To Do

By traveling around, he was able to impact far more people and set an example to his apostles and us on how to saturate a community.

I believe that Jesus’ goal was not just to impact one community but to reach as many people as possible with his message and love. My campus ministry has adopted this multi-site model and it does help us impact more people.

My father John Worcester has great material on the strategic nature of traveling from place to place preaching and other “Plant Like Jesus” strategies.  You can access some of his materials on his website.

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