The Priority for Ministry

Mark 1:29-39 (Pew Bible 707)

"As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons."

Sabbath Practice

A meal was usually served immediately following the synagogue service. Once Jesus and the disciples arrived at Simon's mother-in-law's house, expecting the meal ready, they found the woman sick...

Jesus healed one—Simon's mother-in-law

News travels fast. Soon the whole community was aware of what happened.

Once the Sabbath was ended, the people were allowed to carry things once again. They brought all the sick and demon possessed to the door.

Jesus touched many (but not all) others:

some sick were healed.
some demon possessed were delivered.

he wanted to demonstrate who he was by his words and deeds
the demons knew who he was

he silenced them

Jesus prayed early and privately in order to:

refresh himself
resource himself with God's provision
renew his spirit
prepare himself for the work of the day

The Disciples found him:

told him how sought out he was.

Jesus said, “Let us go somewhere else—”

Priorities

Did Jesus lose his compassion? No. His compassion was so vast...

“so I can preach there also.”

He traveled.
He preached.
He drove out demons.

What about all those people that were not healed or delivered? What was Jesus thinking?

Conclusion

Jesus demonstrated to his disciples The Priority for Ministry. It is to pray for God's resources, then reach as many people with the Gospel across as great an area as possible. Localizing this ministry might result in an ingrown community. Jesus came for all people, not just some.

As did the Disciples, so we must learn The Priority for Ministry. It is for us to avoid at all costs becoming ingrown. Instead we are to pray diligently for God's resources in our own lives. Then we are to reach across the area with the Word of hope, healing and deliverance.