29 Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them. 32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons. 33 All the city was gathered together at the door. 34 He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.

35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there. 36 Simon and those who were with him followed after him; 37 and they found him, and told him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

38 He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.” 39 He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.

Mark 1:29-39 - World English Bible

In these passages from Mark, we can see a pattern of the Lord's ministry: healing, personal prayer and mobility. First, Jesus raised Simon Peter's mother-in-law up from an unnamed, but debilitating illness. In response, she returned to her place in his family and her role in society as a servant. (Notice that, while on one level the role might be seen as subservient and demeaning, in the context of Jesus' teaching, she exercised a leadership role within the Christian community.) Many more healings followed this one; in fact, the entire city seemed to be at Simon's door.

Next, Jesus withdrew to pray before dawn. He balanced his time between public ministry and private prayer. But even in this balance, the needs of others would not give him rest.

Finally, he took his disciples to the next town and the next, in order to spread the Good News. Proclaiming the coming reign of God trumped any parochial need or desire.

Public activity, personal prayer, proclaiming the Good News. The Lord left us an example of the Christian leadership and lifestyle

How are you engaged in public service to others? How do you balance that service with personal prayer? How do both help you spread the Christian message?