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Being in community is essential for any global worker. It is key to keeping us healthy. Jesus’ life was a model of great community, evidenced by the family, friends, and disciples that surrounded him. But when I read the Gospel accounts, I see another life rhythm that we can emulate. That is significant alone time with the Father. The events of Mark 1:32-37 highlight the truth that isolation is not always something to be avoided.
At that point in Jesus’ ministry, He had gained a sizable following. Crowds gathered at the door of Andrew and Peter’s home in Capernaum as Jesus continued to heal people and cast out demons. It’s not hard to imagine the atmosphere; I’m sure it was electric as word of miracles spread through the town.
Jesus responded as He often did - the opposite of what was expected. Rather than say, “I’m in!” and ride the popularity wave, early the next morning, He pulled away to pray, alone with the Father. He did not allow Himself to be sidetracked by a more tempting outcome.
“In this case, the wave of popular support that Jesus had ridden the day before threatened to carry Him into political leadership that might have made His self-sacrifice on the Cross impossible.” I
Mark records this self-isolation three times; here in v. 35, in Mark 6:46, and again in Mark 14:32-42. Jesus depended on these times of prayer with the Father to sustain and strengthen Him as He prepared for what lay ahead.
Richard Foster writes, “The haunting words ‘in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place’ describe a pattern of life more than a single event (Mark 1:35, RSV). Jesus needed frequent retreat and solitude to do his work. Yet we somehow think we can do without what he deemed essential.” II
Community is essential, but remember, so is alone time with the Lord. He is the real source of our strength.
I. Constable, T. (2003). Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible (Mk 1:35). Galaxie Software.
II. Foster, Richard J.. Prayer - 10th Anniversary Edition (p. 180). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
Do you have trouble finding time to be alone with God?
I sometimes fall victim to the “tyranny of the urgent” when life’s interruptions keep me from my time of solitude and silence before the Lord. I want to be disciplined but also flexible to be able to respond, as Jesus did, when the need arises.