Day 114: Mark 1:35

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there (v. 35).

Two times of day; two fascinating looks at our Jesus—the One and Only.

Luke 4:40 tells us that the sick and suffering came out to see Jesus “when the sun was setting.” To those of us who are Gentiles, the reason for this is not so obvious. Christ had previously left the synagogue when He went to the home of Simon, meaning it was the Sabbath day. Remember, at this point Christ primarily had been ministering in various synagogues to Jews. It was unlawful for them to carry the sick on the Sabbath. But God-fearing people counted the moments until the sun set over the Sea of Galilee, marking the close of day. So as the darkness fell, they bundled their sick and brought them to the Light. The thought almost makes me cry. It was as if they watched the clock of the law tick until it finally struck grace . . . and they raced to Him with their need. How blessed we are to live in the liberty of a completed Calvary! The pharmacy dispensing God’s grace is open 24/7.

But a second snapshot of time also appears in our passage. Early the next morning, Jesus rose and went out to pray (Mark 1:35). I wish I had words to express the feelings such scriptural moments stir in me. The thought of Christ ducking out the door while it was still dark to find a place to be by Himself with God floods my soul with emotion. I love every glimpse of the unique relationship Father and Son shared while Christ was on earth and His Father was in heaven. Never before had such a bridge connected the celestial and the terrestrial. I always wonder what Christ said to His Father and what He heard in those intimate moments. Did God the Father speak audibly to Him? Or did He speak in His heart like He does to you and me through His Word? I can’t wait to find out someday in glory.

We have no idea how often Jesus got to steal away with His Father, but Scripture says He was soon interrupted by his disciples, excitedly shouting, “Everyone is looking for you!” (v. 37). I’m convinced we don’t give enough thought to how challenging Jesus’ prison of flesh must have felt to Him. Prior to His advent, He was completely unencumbered by the natural laws governing the human body. Suddenly He experienced for Himself the pull to be in many places at once and the challenge to prioritize not just the good but the goal: proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. “That is why I have come” (v. 38).