Read Mark 9:30-32
I Need Some Alone Time With You.
Jesus, with his disciples, began to go through Galilee and didn’t want crowds of people to know. Why is that? Jesus has had several days with crowds of people and he wanted to spend alone time teaching his disciples. Once again, Jesus was teaching them that he “will be delivered into the hands of men and they will kill him; and when he has been killed, he will rise three days later.”
These words did not make sense to the disciples. They saw Jesus as the Messiah who was going to save the Jews from Roman rule. Why would he die? He’s going to be their Savior so how could “death” even be a part of such a plan?!?
This passage reminds me that there’s a time to minister to people in need, and a time to disciple and feed into a select few who will become future Ministers of the gospel. It’s during these intimate times that a select few have an opportunity to share issues that are going on with their lives.
Jesus was able to share intimately about his coming death. He wanted to provide an environment where he could teach, and the disciples could learn, and also share what’s on their hearts. There are always personal issues, and time needs to be set aside to provide an environment that is conducive for being open with what’s going on with one’s life. Such issues may be family related, personal struggles, conflicts amongst fellow Church people, vision issues, burnout, and so much more.
A few verses later, we see where the disciples were having a conflict amongst themselves on who is the greatest. Jesus addressed this issue and used it as a teaching moment. Jesus got to share what was on his heart and the disciples, later, got to share what was on their hearts. Both were used as a teaching moment.
1. How is God using you in Ministry within the church and outside the church? For me, God has opened the door for teaching and encouraging others in the church, and in the community.
2. How are you able to challenge and encourage others in the Lord on an intimate level?
3. How are you being challenged by a mentor or spiritual leader in your personal walk?
4. Are you able to share intimate issues with someone in helping you with your spiritual growth? If not, then find that mentor or spiritual leader.
