cal·i·brate
/ˈkaləˌbrāt/
verb
To correlate the readings of (an instrument) with those of a standard in order to check the instrument's accuracy.
Mark 1:32-38
When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.
Simon and his companions searched for Him; they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”
He said to them, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.” (NASB 1995)
What is interesting in this short passage is that Jesus' actions don't appear to match the "reaction" taking place around him. After an amazing turn out of people into the night hours the day before, what would you expect someone in ministry to do? Excitedly ride the wave of positive response? Or cringe at being crushed by the clamoring crowd? Peter expected what we all would expect...things are just getting going and you don't want to leave now that everyone is seeking you out! Yet Jesus doesn't seem to be gauging His next course of action by the crowds at all.
/ˈkaləˌbrāt/
verb
To correlate the readings of (an instrument) with those of a standard in order to check the instrument's accuracy.
Mark 1:32-38
When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.
Simon and his companions searched for Him; they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”
He said to them, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.” (NASB 1995)
What is interesting in this short passage is that Jesus' actions don't appear to match the "reaction" taking place around him. After an amazing turn out of people into the night hours the day before, what would you expect someone in ministry to do? Excitedly ride the wave of positive response? Or cringe at being crushed by the clamoring crowd? Peter expected what we all would expect...things are just getting going and you don't want to leave now that everyone is seeking you out! Yet Jesus doesn't seem to be gauging His next course of action by the crowds at all.
Jesus draws His strength for the day by spending time alone with His Father in prayer. He is calibrated NOT by the popular opinion of the crowds, nor by their pressing needs, but by the purpose for which the Father sent Him...to preach repentance and the Gospel.
RSS Feed
