Solitude & the Markan Secret
Two characteristics of Mark's Gospel
Two points to consider in Mark as we continue on:
We’ve noted all the quick activity in Mark. You’ll see it again in today’s passage. But despite all the action, there are several times that Mark tells us of Jesus’ desire and practice to be alone in prayer, to seek spaces in which he can meet the Father without distraction.
There is also something scholars call “the Markan secret” (also called the Messianic Secret). In Mark’s gospel, Jesus repeatedly tells people (and demons!) not to reveal who he is after he heals, teaches, or performs miracles. It’s especially noticeable after big moments — healings, exorcisms, the Transfiguration, and Peter’s confession. It’s in today’s passage and we’ll continue to see in the chapters ahead.
Both of these patterns — Jesus’ retreat into prayer and his quieting of public acclaim — remind us that his mission isn’t about spectacle or speed. Sometimes, life is like that: busy, busy, busy. But in the midst of it all, we respond best and act best if we’re living in relationship more deeply and intentionally. It’s about faithfulness to the Father’s way, even when that way unfolds more slowly and quietly than we might have been shaped to expect by an action-hungry world.
Mark 1:29-45
After leaving the synagogue, Jesus, James, and John went home with Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed, sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once. He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.
That evening, at sunset, people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed. The whole town gathered near the door. He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons. But he didn’t let the demons speak, because they recognized him.
Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. Simon and those with him tracked him down. When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!”
He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.
A man with a skin disease approached Jesus, fell to his knees, and begged, “If you want, you can make me clean.”
Incensed, Jesus reached out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do want to. Be clean.” Instantly, the skin disease left him, and he was clean. Sternly, Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t say anything to anyone. Instead, go and show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifice for your cleansing that Moses commanded. This will be a testimony to them.” Instead, he went out and started talking freely and spreading the news so that Jesus wasn’t able to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, but people came to him from everywhere.
Psalm 147:1-7a
Praise the Lord! Because it is good to sing praise to our God! Because it is a pleasure to make beautiful praise!
The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem, gathering up Israel’s exiles. God heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. God counts the stars by number, giving each one a name. Our Lord is great and so strong! God’s knowledge can’t be grasped! The Lord helps the poor, but throws the wicked down on the dirt!
Sing to the Lord with thanks;
Prayer
God,
In a world that moves fast and praises action, teach us to move at your pace. Slow us down enough to seek you first — to find those quiet spaces where we meet you without distraction.
Help us not to chase after acclaim or urgency, but to live rooted in faithful relationship with you. When the world demands speed, remind us that your way often unfolds slowly, quietly, and surely.
Shape our hearts to trust you more than our own frantic efforts, and to believe that your kingdom comes even when we can’t always see it.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.