AFTER JESUS cast a demon out of a man in Capernaum, and then healed Simon's mother-in-law of a fever, "the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door." Jesus was faced with a dilemma: should he continue doing good things demanded by the crowd, or are there even more important tasks that God would have him do? Jesus had been tempted by Satan (Mark 1:13); but this situation is different. Jesus is faced with a choice between doing what is good, and doing what is best.
I grew up in a Christian home. And I find that while I am tempted sometimes to do evil, more often I am faced with a choice between doing good and doing what is best. Jesus sought God's advice one-on-one to help Him make the right decision. Can I do less?
Jesus knows personally what it is like to be surrounded by people begging for help. And He responded by providing help. But He found a time and place to separate Himself from the demands of others in order to focus on the will of God. Can I do less?