Catechism: Training for the MissionSample

Jesus was constantly surrounded by crowds of people who were desperate to hear him speak or perform miracles. But Jesus knew the only way he could help them—the only way he could accomplish his mission— was to be in close relationship with his Father. So over and over again, we read that Jesus withdrew from the crowds to spend time in prayer with his Father.

Maybe this doesn’t feel relevant to you because you believe that God hasn’t given you some big, exciting mission. But the truth is, he has. God wants to use you in amazing ways right where you are if you’re willing to offer yourself to him!

Part of God’s mission for you right now is that you would be growing in your relationship with him. This means being faithful to seek him in his Word and in prayer and being faithful by sharing the love of Christ in your relationships as a friend, a family member, a student, and a teammate.

As you walk with God in these small, simple ways, faithfully obeying and remaining with Jesus, God is preparing you for future responsibilities while also using you here and now to work his transformation in the world.

Read Mark 1:32-37

Reflection Questions:

• How do you see an over-emphasis on independence and hustle in our culture? How is Jesus’ example different?
• What’s holding you back from deepening your relationship with Jesus? Distractions? Doubts? Busyness? Something else? What could you do to fight these things?
• Think about what it might look like for you to depend on Jesus this week. It could look like talking to God in prayer, reading Scripture, or spending time on your own reflecting on what you read. What new habits could you put in place this week to practice resting and depending on God?