“Everyone is looking for you!” When I was 7, that phrase usually was code for, “Uh oh, you’ve really done it now!” These days it seems “everyone is looking for you” is a mantra that individuals enamored with celebrity status long to hear. That’s because “everyone is looking for you” is the signal that “I have arrived!”

Interestingly, Jesus heard the phrase, “Everyone is looking for you” (or more accurately, “All are hunting for you”), and his response was countercultural to the celebrity-obsessed. Jesus responded, “Let’s go somewhere else so I can stay focused on the purpose of my being here.” That is one of many reasons for appreciating Jesus—he refused to let temporary popularity distract him from his God-identified purposes.

GATHERING A CROWD—DELIVERING A CROWD
In Mark 1:32, the popularity of Jesus is spreading. Within Mark 1:21-31, Jesus systematically overpowers the demon of the synagogue worshiper in Capernaum and the fever in the body of Peter’s mother-in-law. Such actions are leaving people “amazed” (1:27).

The Sabbath ends, and the townspeople of Capernaum show up to have Jesus do what they hear he does best—fix significant problems. In their case, these problems are identified as illness and demons. Strikingly, these are the same problems Jesus has already demonstrated he has the capacity to fix. The people of Capernaum do what almost anyone would do—even us—they look for Jesus. Let’s face it—if an answer for a problem exists, who wants to miss out?

That evening, after sundown, Jesus heals many. It is at this point, however, that the focus of Jesus differs from so much of humanity. Immediate popularity cannot replace nor provide a shortcut to his overarching purpose. The miracles gather a crowd . . . his message delivers a crowd. Accordingly, Jesus awakes before sunrise and heads to a place of rest and reflection. In step, the disciples commence a “hunt” for him. After intense pursuit, Jesus is found. One might wonder what the disciples are thinking. Maybe something like this? This is what we’ve been after—a crowd that will do whatever we . . . or I mean . . . he asks!

TELLING—AND TIMING
Is that true? Would they (the crowd, the disciples) do whatever he asked? In Mark 1:43, Jesus passionately instructed the healed leper to do what the Jewish law instructed. What did the leper do? Not what he was asked. Mark 1:45 states the leper went out and began to talk freely (literally, proclaiming or preaching) about his good news to others. Wouldn’t any of us want to tell everyone who would listen about being delivered from an overpowering problem?

From this text, however, one might conclude the problem isn’t with the “telling.” In 1:38, Jesus tells his disciples they should leave Capernaum so he can preach in other places as well. Jesus states, in fact, that preaching is one reason he has come. Telling others doesn’t seem to be the issue.

The issue isn’t telling . . . it’s timing. Jesus intends to communicate his gospel in a manner that is both optimal and clear. Jesus seems concerned that his initial audiences can be easily swayed by what they hear. This might be why Jesus prohibits the demons from speaking about who he is upon their expulsion (Mark 1:34). Jesus wants the message to be widespread, but he also wants it to be clear of confusion! Jesus will clarify his message as people look for him in Mark 2:1-12. In those moments, Jesus will reveal that those searching for him can find a fix for their immediate problems. Of greater importance, however, is Jesus can solve their deeper problems as well. Poor timing can ruin great opportunity.

HEALING—AND HOPE
Consequently, Mark 1:32-45 holds at least two lessons. First, it reveals Jesus is open for searching and finding. In Jesus, people find someone who can fix their problems (both temporal and spiritual). Jesus is the fix for our economic challenges and our evangelistic obstacles. Jesus is the fix for our wellness at work and our wars over worship. Jesus is the fix for our family frustrations and our failures of faith. It also appears Jesus wants to address the latter elements as much as he is willing to fix the former ones.

Second, Jesus had a clear purpose in mind when he healed illnesses and expelled demons—he intended to preach his gospel! Perhaps we can learn about purpose of action as we discover those looking for the Messiah. Opportunities abound to proclaim the message today. A well-timed word, placed strategically with a purpose (of outreach), can lead others to experience both a temporary healing and an eternal hope.

________

* All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.