Scripture
Wherever he went- in villages, cities or the countryside- they brought the sick out to the marketplace. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe and all who touched him were healed.

Observation
The disciples return from their ministry tour to report all they had taught and done. The crowds are pressing in so they go off to a quiet place. But people follow them and Jesus has compassion on them to heal them.

They again cross the lake and people come from everywhere to have Jesus heal them.

Application
There are times when we can be torn between the need to renew and the demands of ministry.

I am far from the revival situation described here, but there are days when the needs of the ministry become consuming.

What kept Jesus from being overwhelmed with all of this was his focus on the goal of his mission- obedience to the Father and compassion for the people.

Prayer
Father help me to see your will for my life, your mission for me, and to surrender my will entirely to that. Let me set all of my attention on you. Amen.