A Preaching Tour in Galilee (Mark 1:35–39)
What happens during Jesus’ preaching tour in Galilee in Mark 1:35–39?
Jesus rises early to pray in solitude, but the disciples search for him, eager to keep the crowds coming. Instead, Jesus insists on moving to other towns to preach, saying that this is why he came. his ministry is not about popularity but purpose—proclaiming the good news across Galilee.
Introduction
Following a night of dramatic healings and demonic confrontations at Simon’s house, Jesus doesn’t rest in the success. Instead, he retreats. Mark 1:35–39 gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ rhythm of ministry—balancing public preaching with private prayer, and never losing sight of his mission. These few verses teach us about priorities, the pull of expectations, and the necessity of staying grounded in one’s calling.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of A Preaching Tour in Galilee and Commentary
Mark 1:35
“In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.”
Jesus deliberately seeks solitude. After a night of healing and attention, he doesn’t bask in acclaim; he withdraws. The Greek word used here for “deserted place” (erēmos) is the same used earlier in Mark 1:12–13 when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.
It’s a place of quiet, but also spiritual confrontation. Jesus is modeling something vital here: prayer before action and action folllowed by rest and reflection. Even he, the Son of God, pauses to commune with the Father before taking the next step. The demands of the crowd don’t define his direction—prayer does.
Mark 1:36–37
“And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’”
The Greek verb translated “hunted” (katadiōkō) has an intensity to it—it’s almost invasive. The disciples aren’t just looking for Jesus; they’re pursuing him with urgency. They see the growing crowds as an opportunity. Their statement, “Everyone is searching for you,” is full of subtext.
It implies, “Why aren’t you capitalizing on this momentum?” But Jesus doesn’t respond with crowd-pleasing behavior. His identity and purpose are not up for negotiation. He won’t let public acclaim distort divine calling. The servant must rest in and relate to God.
Mark 1:38
“He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’”
This verse is a powerful mission statement. Jesus doesn’t stay where he is already admired. He moves on—to proclaim, not to perform. The word “proclaim” (kērussō) highlights that preaching is central to Jesus’ purpose. The healings and exorcisms are signs of the kingdom, but the message itself—the arrival of God’s reign—is the heart of his mission. Jesus came to bring good news, not build a fan base. His response corrects the disciples’ vision: they see success; he sees calling.
Mark 1:39
“And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.”
This verse shows Jesus in motion, fulfilling the purpose he named. The combination of preaching and exorcism continues to define his ministry. The synagogues are places of religious gathering, but his message interrupts the status quo. His authority over evil and his clarity of message spread beyond Capernaum to the broader region of Galilee. Even in the earliest days of his ministry, Jesus is reaching outward, refusing to stay in one place or pander to popular demand.
Mark 1:35–39 Meaning for Today
This passage quietly confronts modern ideas about success, influence, and spiritual life. Jesus, at the height of early acclaim, walks away to pray. In doing so, he reorients himself not to public pressure but to divine purpose. He doesn’t allow his identity to be shaped by applause. He retreats, reflects, and recommits to his mission: to proclaim the good news.
We live in a world of endless noise and endless demands. Our culture often rewards productivity over prayer and attention over intention. Yet in Mark 1:35–39, Jesus invites us into a different rhythm. One where quiet places matter. One where prayer isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
There’s also a challenge here: are we pursuing Jesus for what he can do for us, or are we following him into his mission? Like Simon and the others, we’re tempted to keep Jesus in one place, to contain him within our comfort zones. But Jesus calls us outward—to proclaim, to move, to reach others.
This scene reminds us that the gospel isn’t stationary. It moves. And so should we—not driven by ego or approval, but guided by prayer and shaped by the call to share good news
FAQ
Why did Jesus go to a deserted place to pray?
Jesus sought solitude to reconnect with the Father and gain clarity for his mission. In the midst of public attention, he chose silence and prayer, showing us that discernment often begins in stillness.
What does it mean that everyone was looking for Jesus?
The crowds were likely hoping for more healings and miracles. The disciples saw this as success, but Jesus refused to let popularity define his purpose. He knew his calling was to preach the kingdom, not settle into fame.
Why didn’t Jesus stay in Capernaum where he was popular?
Jesus was committed to bringing the message to others. His mission was not about comfort or consolidation—it was about movement and proclamation. Staying would have limited the reach of the gospel.
How does this passage apply to modern believers?
It calls us to value prayer before action, to be wary of seeking approval, and to remember that our calling isn’t about being liked, but being faithful. Like Jesus, we must prioritize purpose over popularity.
