Christian Devotional – August 17, 2026

ADHD Gospel, Day 4

Alone. Read Mark 1:36-45.

Instant popularity. These last few verses of Mark find an interesting scenario. Jesus has been preaching and teaching throughout the area and the crowds are swelling. Lots of people want to be part of what Jesus is doing. Everyone is looking for him. Yet, in these final verses of Mark, we see Jesus constantly seeking to be alone and secluded.

It’s an interesting situation. Jesus has the message of repentance and hope. The people are flocking to him. Yet, we see in a couple of instances, Jesus is told that the crowds are looking for him and he just leaves. It’s interesting to note that the crowds start coming after he begins really performing miracles. Jesus understands their lack of sincerity. The people aren’t really interested in his message of repentance, but just in seeing a miracle.

Why do we seek Jesus? Are we seeking him just for what he will provide for us? Are we only looking for him to do something amazing in our lives, but not really seeking repentance? God knows the difference and while he still loves us and he seeks after us, he also understands that living a life committed to Christ can feel very misunderstood and lonely at times. People were chasing after him just for what they could get from him, not because they wanted to repent. Why are we seeking after Jesus?

Watch the video devotional here: https://youtu.be/O-ZWxuA144k