For our family it was one of those seasons of heat with too many fires for me to put out alone. Too many loved ones needing me…not enough of me to go around! “Lord, I really need to clone myself—I can’t do it all! I need You!” If you love people, you’ve probably been here before.
While Jesus lived on earth, He was confined to one physical body, just as we are. He ministered in one place at a time. Our reading in Mark describes a day in the life of Jesus: surrounded by throngs of needy people—healing, teaching, and feeding them, lacking time to eat or rest Himself. He attempted to retreat with His friends, but needy crowds followed. He responded with compassion, not irritability. Later, when the crowds had dispersed, He got alone with His Father and prayed.
We glimpse how Jesus lived—and loved—on earth. His love drew people to Him, and that drew Him to depend on His Father. When we are filled with Christ’s love, we will be drawn to people. We can’t meet all of their needs, but God can. How desperately we need Him!