As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).
—Mark 4:35-36 NLT
Some things need to be shared in private. God's servants can't be in public all the time. Jesus often withdrew to pray. In addition, he pulled away from the crowds so his apostles could rest and rekindle their spirits. He also left the crowds behind so he could more fully teach the people he would soon leave to continue his work. One dimension of teaching is preparing other teachers. That preparation requires us to leave the crowds and spend focused time with those the church needs for the future. While we may want simply to dismiss this practice as a cultural phenomenon, we should take notice that John the Baptist, Jesus, Barnabas, and Paul all used this same basic method of teaching and training. We ignore their example at our own risk. Even if we are not skilled public teachers, we all have people whom we influence — friends and family — whom we can teach and train by our words and by our character in our private times with them.
Father in heaven, use my life and my words to prepare others to know your Son and share your truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 4:35-36 NLT
Key Thought
Some things need to be shared in private. God's servants can't be in public all the time. Jesus often withdrew to pray. In addition, he pulled away from the crowds so his apostles could rest and rekindle their spirits. He also left the crowds behind so he could more fully teach the people he would soon leave to continue his work. One dimension of teaching is preparing other teachers. That preparation requires us to leave the crowds and spend focused time with those the church needs for the future. While we may want simply to dismiss this practice as a cultural phenomenon, we should take notice that John the Baptist, Jesus, Barnabas, and Paul all used this same basic method of teaching and training. We ignore their example at our own risk. Even if we are not skilled public teachers, we all have people whom we influence — friends and family — whom we can teach and train by our words and by our character in our private times with them.
Today's Prayer
Father in heaven, use my life and my words to prepare others to know your Son and share your truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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