Last week we discussed the importance of the prayer connection with God.  That makes this week an easy read… Well sort of.  I want to talk about reactions, locations and grace.

Let’s look at our text.

Mark 1:35-38 CSB
[35] 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. [36] Simon and his companions searched for him, [37] and when they found him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” [38] 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.”

Now I mentioned why Jesus found solitude for praying and its importance last week. Simon’s and his party’s reaction to realizing that Jesus was gone was revealing in its nature.   Jesus has just healed many the night before and now He’s not right there for them to see.  Now I realize that it’s still early in the ministry.  I also realize that what they’ve just witnessed is amazing, powerful and very much desired for repetition by those who were involved and anyone they told.  I get it, but I think Simon and the guys might have thought they were going to get it from everyone around.  Just their reaction tells me that they may have panicked a little.  Vs. 36 and 37.  They searched for Him.  Now if they would have put all they’d learned so far into consideration I don’t believe their reaction would have been so panicky for lack of a better term.  Panicky you question?  Look at what they say in vs. 37.

Everyone is looking for you.

This sounds almost like a rebuke.  Don’t you know where You need to be?  I can’t believe You of all people, would just wander off like that.  How often do we treat Jesus the same way?  I need You to do this, take care of that, or make this happen and I need it now.  The guys here, Simon and friends, just hadn’t got the memo yet.  Jesus has it under control.  He made it all, was there when we broke it, knows how to fix it and has come to do so.

Which brings me to my next point.  Jesus knows exactly where He needs to be. 

John 1:1-2 CSB
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning.

John 1:10-14 CSB
[10] He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. [11] He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. [12] But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, [13] who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God. [14] The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 20:14-17 CSB
[14] Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. [15] “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?” Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.” [16] Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”  — which means “Teacher.” [17]  “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus told her, “since I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”

John 20:24-29 CSB
[24] But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.” [26] A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.” [28] Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

Revelation 3:20 CSB
[20] See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Matthew 28:20 CSB
[20] teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

I know that was a lot but I want to make a point.  The Bible is replete with the fact that Jesus knows exactly where he needs to be.

Do you know where you need to be?  My guess is that most of us do.  We simply are afraid of change or just don’t want to go.

Jesus went to the cross on Golgotha.  Golgath is not a suburb of Jerusalem, it’s outside the walls in the dangerous places.

Finally let’s look at the response.  Jesus says let’s go, let’s preach, that’s why I came.  No anger at being chastised or spoken poorly to.  Only Grace!

Jesus has gone everywhere now and He’s still there.  He knows exactly where and what’s needed and He’s always full of Grace.

Will we go too?  Do we know why?  I’m here to share Jesus!  Please accept Him today.

Love in Christ,

Colby