What Was the Priority of Jesus?

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. Mark 1:21

News about Jesus spread, and the crowds gathered: “That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons” (1:32-34).

Notice, a large crowd had gathered around the house of Simon and Andrew, where Jesus was staying, and “very early in the morning” (1:35) Jesus slipped out of the house. Why?

Picture the scene: As the sun comes up, the crowds are banging on the door, looking for Jesus. Simon and Andrew are embarrassed; they don’t know where He is. Eventually they find Him: “Everyone is looking for you” (1:37).

Notice the priority of Jesus: “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out” (1:38). Why would you want to go somewhere else when there’s a large crowd right here looking for you? “Because I came to preach.”

Let’s pause to learn from the example of Jesus. Anyone who gets involved in ministry will quickly find themselves surrounded by great need, and they’ll say, “How can I meet all these needs?”

You can’t. You cannot meet all the needs of your children, your parents, your neighbors, and your friends. You cannot carry the burden of all the people who cross your path. Only God can do that. That’s why we trust God to work through His Word.

When was the last time you said (or thought) to yourself, “How can I meet all these needs?”