Each month, I meet with a small group of friends to discuss a chapter or more of a Christian-authored book.
We have read and discussed a variety of non-fiction and fiction Christian-authored books since meeting as a group.
Currently, we are working our way through Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ book, A Place of Quiet Rest: Finding Intimacy with God Through a Daily Devotional Life.
A scripture passage that is referenced more than once in DeMoss’ book is Mark 1:35.
But before we consider Mark 1:35 in its context, we need to define devotion.
A quick search at Merriam-Webster.com provides the following possibilities for defining devotion:
- 1a: religious fervor
- 1b: An act of prayer or private worship–usually used in plural
- 1c: a religious exercise or practice other than the regular corporate worship of a congregation.
- 2a: the act of dedicating something to a cause, enterprise, or activity
- 2b: the fact or state of being ardently dedicated and loyal.
What stands out to you about these definitions from Merriam-Webster.com?
The focus of the first three options mentions a specific spiritual focus.
The last two options reveal devotion can also have a non-spiritual focus.
Keep these definitions in mind as we study Mark 1:35-39.
Mark 1:35-39 | Why We Need Devotion | Reading the Passage
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. [1]
This passage describes Jesus’ devotion to spending time alone with the Lord.
What did Jesus do in verse 35 to ensure his time alone with the Lord happened?
Mark 1:21-28 | Why We Need Devotion | The Back Story Part One
After realizing Jesus was not in their midst, Simon, and others with him, went in search of Jesus to tell him, “Everyone is looking for you.” (See verse 36.)
To understand why Simon said this to Jesus, we need to know what happened prior to Mark 1-35-36.
Jesus entered a synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath where he taught as one who had authority. (See Mark 1:21-22.)
Besides amazing those present with his authoritative teaching; Jesus also commanded an unclean spirit to come out of a man. (See Mark 1:23-27.)
28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. [2]
Jesus’ public actions surprised the people to the point of sharing with everyone they knew what he had done.
What challenges can come with sudden fame?
Mark 1:29-34 | Why We Need Devotion | The Back Story Part Two
At the end of the sabbath experience in the synagogue, Jesus goes to Simon and Andrew’s home, along with James and John. (See Mark 1:29.)
Upon arriving, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law from a fever. (See Mark 1:30-31.)
Read what happens next.
32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. [3]
The Jewish people considered sundown to be the start of a new day, thus scripture tells us with the phrase “at sundown” that the Sabbath day of rest had come to an end.
What happens “at sundown”? (See verses 32-33.)
Why were people bringing the sick and oppressed to Jesus? (See Mark 1:23-31 again and 34.)
Look back at verse 33. How many people came to Peter and Andrew’s door?
Did Jesus heal everyone who came? (See verse 34.)
Mark 1:35-39 | Why We Need Devotion | Reviewing the Passage
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. [4]
What does Jesus do after presumably a brief night of sleep? (See verse 35.)
What is the significance of Jesus choosing a “desolate place” to spend time in prayer? (See Mark 1:1-5.)
Who ministered to Jesus in the wilderness? (See Mark 1:13.)
When Jesus returned to Galilee from his temptation and strengthening ordeal, he said,
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” [5]
How does this statement support Jesus’ response to Simon in verse 38 above?
What elements of devotion does Jesus model in verses 35-39? (Refer to the definitions of devotion listed above if needed.)
Was Jesus’ devotion spiritual, practical, or both? Explain.
Mark 1:35-39 | Why We Need Devotion | Applying the Passage
Scripture does not explicitly tell us what Jesus prayed while he was alone.
Based on the verses reviewed above, what might Jesus have prayed about?
Jesus modeled for us the need to maintain a healthy, personal relationship with God.
He did not focus on how popular he was or how many people he healed.
Instead, Jesus devoted himself to seeking strength and instruction from God.
Jesus’ devotion sustained Him for His specific mission.
What are you focused on?
Do you need to change what you focus on? Why or why not?
When you have had a busy day, do you make time to find a solitary place to pray to God for strengthening and guidance? Why or why not?
How can spending daily time in solitary prayer strengthen your devotion to God?
Share some tips for developing a devotional habit in the comments below.
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 1:35–39.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 1:28.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 1:32–34.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 1:35–39.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 1:15.