The word was spreading quickly about this Jesus and later that night the whole town came to where He was. Yes, the whole town of Capernaum (population estimated to be between 1000, and 1,500 people at the time) gathered at the doorstep, bringing the sick and demon-possessed and clamoring for Jesus (Mark 1:32-34).
Can you picture the scene? Can you see yourself there? Imagine the sense of anticipation, the stirring of the people, the talk, and the electricity in the air. This was a dramatically taxing, emotionally draining, and physically demanding day for Christ the man.
What did Jesus do the next morning? Did He get caught up on His much-needed sleep? Perhaps take a late breakfast?
No. He began a pattern that is referenced many times by the Gospels. In fact, as Luke observed, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16, NIV).
Tim Cameron
The morning prayer determines the day.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
