In my Bible reading this morning (Mark 2-4), I realized Jesus had boundary issues. Offering people hope through Jesus will not simplify your life; it will complicate your life.  So many people came to be close to Jesus that the disciples weren’t even able to eat (Mk. 3:20). It was so bad that when his family heard about it, they went to “take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind’” (Mk. 3:21). Jesus’ answer wasn’t to stop ministering.  Instead, he worked at building margins into his already complicated and busy life.  He modeled the following:
1.  He said the Sabbath needs to serve you(Mk. 2:27).
2.  He accommodated more people into the discipleship process by teaching crowds (Mk. 4:2).
3.  He withdrew regularly from the crowd for renewal (Mk. 3:7; 4:36).
4.  He multiplied his influence by pouring into a few and delegating ministry(Mk. 3:7, 14, 4:34).
5.  He made provision at times to separate himself slightly from the crowd so he could minister more effectively (Mk. 4:1).

This is just what I needed today. How about you?