Aware of this [that some of the Jews were plotting to kill him], Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. He warned them not to tell others about him. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.”

Jesus’ mission was clear in his mind. No one was going to get him off of his mission for God. It was too important. Some tried to kill him, others tried to make him king by force or persuasion. But Jesus was honed in on God’s will, which was to complete his mission.

God definitely put his Spirit on Jesus. He healed, cast out demons, and restored families. He also did not fight back at the unfair persecution or challenges leveled at him. Why? Because he was a person for others. He humbled himself.

He was patient and waited for his time to sacrifice his life for all. He was ultra conscious of God’s timing. And he encouraged others to keep quiet about his healings because he did not want things to advance further than God wanted at this time.

Jesus showed God honor and obeyed him. He set aside his personal feelings and ambitions to submit to the ambitions of God. This is the Lord we follow. This is the life we model after.

Will I be patient and obedient to God’s will — his plans, his timing, and his Spirit?

Lord, help me to wait on you as you waited on God. May I trust you with the important outcomes and seek you first. Your mission for me is my first priority. Help me to keep it there. All else falls into place when I put you first.