Join us this Sunday! In-Person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am, Online 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am & 5:00pm

Join us this Sunday! In-Person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am, Online 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am & 5:00pm

Join us at the next Sunday worship service:
In-Person
8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am
Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

SEEING THE NEEDS OF OTHERS

“ Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.” – Mark 1:35-39.

In Mark 1:28-39, after Jesus casts out a demon, news of His power spreads rapidly throughout Galilee. He then goes to Simon Peter’s house where his mother-in-law is sick with a fever, and Jesus heals her. As evening falls, the entire town brings their sick and demon-possessed loved ones to Jesus, and He heals many. Early the following day, Jesus wakes up before dawn, leaves the house to find a secluded place, and prays alone.

Pause for a second and put yourselves in the disciple’s shoes. What did you think was going on in their minds? They go to Peter’s house and find that his mother-in-law is sick. There is probably activity around the house, but Jesus is interested in the woman and heals her. We probably could not have healed her, but what we can do is focus on her needs rather than activities that we need to do or all the activities taking place around us.

In verses 32-33, we read, “That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch.” Again, imagine you are watching this all unfold. Jesus sees the needs of the people. He seems to be unaffected by the high energy of the event. These two verses highlight Jesus’ compassion and accessibility, where even after a long day, He readily welcomed those in need, demonstrating that His healing power extends to both physical and spiritual ailments and that no matter the time or circumstance, He is always ready to help those who come to Him seeking relief.

Jesus also had needs and went off to pray (vs. 35). Of course, while He was praying, people were looking for Him again. Jesus sees the needs of people in other places. And so off He goes. This passage indicates His consistent focus on people and their needs. What about us? Do we see the needs of others as hurdles to be overcome so that our needs can be met?

Peter’s mother-in-law’s sickness is not an impediment but an opportunity to minister to her. The people at the door are not a distraction for Him, but an opportunity to make the community well. A time of prayer turns from personal introspection to a revelation of needs outside the community.

To look through the eyes of Jesus, we have to shift the way we think. Seeing the needs of others as Jesus did means seeing them as valuable, worthy of love, and beautiful.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the difference between people who serve others and people who are self-serving? 
  2. Would you describe yourself as someone who sacrificially serves others or is self-serving?  Why?  How would you like to be described? 

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