Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark. Mark 1:35
Hey, I’m Nathan, and this is Day 24 of 30 Days Watching Jesus. Jesus understood that his mission was grounded in his relationship with his Father. Unlike us, henever struck out on his own, trying to sort things out with his own smarts. He worked inseparably with his Father—ensuring daily—through extended prayer times—that there was a tight, life-giving connection between them. To him, nothing mattered more. This was the secret that fueled his way of treating people. It’s the reason he felt compassion for enemies. Exhibited enduring patience with block-headed disciples. Saw the person, instead of the illness, ethnicity or disability. It’s why he could stare down proud religious leaders and lock arms with outcasts. Why he could press in to human pain, brokenness and dysfunction, instead of pulling away.