People Are NOT Intrusions

Luke 9

10 When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida. 11 But the crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick.

The message of these two verse both inspires and convicts me. In verse 10, Luke writes that Jesus slipped quietly away…Jesus was seeking some “alone time” with His 12 closest followers. He sought to get away from the demands of the crowds, and have a time of refreshing with his buds. However, in verse 11 we read that not only did the crowds find out where Jesus was; they followed Him. And what was the reaction of Jesus, Who wanted to get away from the crowds? He WELCOMED them! Often, I fight the feelings of “intrusion” by people when I am seeking some “alone time” or looking for a “time of refreshing.” Lord, help me remember that people are NEVER an intrusion of the ministry with which You have entrusted me. They are the REASON for that ministry. May I welcome them, teaching them about the Kingdom of God and loving them like Jesus does.