29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
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.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Jesus performed miracles in order to provide authority to His message. His miracles validated that He was who He said He was. Those miracles also brought Him fame and people flocked to Him to have their loved ones healed and be rid of their demons. Jesus showed great compassion and healed the sick and cast out many demons. Fame can quickly derail one from their intended mission. Jesus could have allowed His growing fame to lead Him to be king of Israel along a much easier path. But his mission was greater than that. He withdrew to a desolate place and prayed. Jesus was intent on obeying the Father and spent much time in prayer to make sure He only did what the Father wanted Him to do. Prayer and time in God’s word is the only way to ensure you are living your life God’s way. Is that the foundation of your life or are you directed more by circumstances?