Reflections on Luke 4:42-44

In my Bible reading this morning, I came across a passage that seemed to jump out at me. It's as if God were saying: "Slow down here. These verses have many powerful principles that can help you grow. See how many you can get out of them."

So, here goes...

Luke 4:42-44 (NLT)

"Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, 'I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.' So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea."

1. Jesus didn't stay in bed long after other people got their day started, at least on this morning. He rose early (possibly long before sunrise).
2. He recognized the benefit of solitude. He went to a place where he could be alone. Possibly He spent that time in reflection and prayer.
3. Often, what we need and what we get will be two different things. Jesus needed time alone but the people wouldn't give it to Him.
4. God does not often speak through the masses. The crowd "begged" Him to stay with them. Yet, Jesus' response makes it clear that He did not believe they were speaking for God.
5. If we were to speculate on the motives of the crowd, we may come to assume that they were selfishly motivated. They wanted Jesus to stay not because of who He was but because of what He could do for them. Humanity has not changed.
6. Jesus didn't mind telling the people that He could not meet their expectations. They wanted Him to stay but He had a mandate that wouldn't allow Him to comply with their wishes. So, His answer to them was "No."
7. Jesus was about the business of evangelism. He realized that the Gospel was Good News (that mankind can be forgiven and brought into relationship with God) and people needed to hear it. So, he was going to travel to where the people where to tell them about that news. This was why He came to earth.
8. He met the people in their places of worship and throughout the region. This means that He showed up to places of worship to explain how the folks got it wrong.