Luke 4:38-44 NRSVue

³⁸After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. ³⁹Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.

⁴⁰As the sun was setting, all those caring for any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. ⁴¹Moreover, demons also came out of many, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.^,

⁴²At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds began looking for him, and when they reached him they tried to keep him from leaving them. ⁴³But he said to them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.” ⁴⁴So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.^,

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
The people wanted to stay where they were and to keep Jesus with them. He saw his mission ahead, however, and spoke to them about how he must move on. Jesus doesn't want me to settle where I am but calls me to go with him, bringing good news.

Reflection
Jesus went to a deserted place so that he might find time to be alone with God. Inspired by him I do the same, creating this moment of quiet so that I might meet with God. I make what was a habitual choice of Jesus a choice that I make too.