THE DISCIPLES’ DIVINE DILEMMA (MARK 1:32-39)

REFLECTION Today, we explore a theme that often surfaces in our walk with God: “The Disciples’ Divine Dilemma.” To understand this, we must look at the two components of the title. A dilemma is a situation where a difficult choice must be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones—or in this case,…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Jan 7, 2026

3–5 minutes

bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

REFLECTION

Today, we explore a theme that often surfaces in our walk with God: “The Disciples’ Divine Dilemma.” To understand this, we must look at the two components of the title. A dilemma is a situation where a difficult choice must be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones—or in this case, two seemingly “good” options. The word divine suggests that this struggle isn’t merely human; it involves the conflicting priorities between man’s immediate needs and God’s eternal purposes. The central truth for us today is that popularity and productivity are not always synonymous with God’s priority. We must learn to distinguish between a “good” opportunity and a “God” opportunity.

The Pull of the Crowd vs. The Purpose of the Christ

In Mark 1:32-34, we see a scene of incredible success. Jesus had spent the evening healing the sick and casting out demons. The text says, “The whole town gathered at the door.” From a human perspective, this was the “big break.” If the disciples were thinking like modern marketers, they would have seen this as the perfect opportunity to establish a permanent headquarters in Capernaum.

However, the dilemma arises in Mark 1:35-37. While the disciples were sleeping, Jesus rose early to find a solitary place to pray. When Simon and his companions finally tracked Him down, they exclaimed, “Everyone is looking for you!” Therein lies the dilemma. The disciples saw a need (the crowd) and assumed it was the priority. They equated “everyone looking for you” with “this is where you ought to be.” But Jesus’ response in Mark 1:38 is revolutionary: “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Jesus teaches us that being “busy” for God is not the same as being “obedient” to God. The disciples wanted to manage a local miracle centre; Jesus wanted to fulfil a global mission. Imagine you are a gifted mentor. For instance, a pastor, your local community loves you, and you are constantly asked to speak at local events. You are “needed” there. However, you feel a quiet, persistent nudge from the Holy Spirit to spend your time writing a book that could reach thousands who will never meet you. Your “divine dilemma” is choosing between the immediate gratitude of the crowd and the long-term assignment from the Father.

When we find ourselves in a dilemma, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Our “understanding” often tells us to stay where the applause is loudest, but God’s path may lead us to the next village. Furthermore, we must remember Isaiah 55:8: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.”

Conclusion

The “Disciples’ Divine Dilemma” reminds us that the loudest voice is rarely the voice of God. The crowd will always demand more of your time, your miracles, and your presence, but your primary loyalty is to the Father’s “Why.” Jesus didn’t come just to heal everyone in Capernaum; He came to preach the Kingdom to the world.

Key Takeaways:

Success can be a distraction: Just because a door is open doesn’t mean you are meant to walk through it.
Prayer is the Filter: Jesus knew where to go next only because He had first gone to the Father in the “solitary place.”
Purpose over Popularity: True impact is found in doing what you were sent to do, even if it means leaving a crowd behind.

Call to Action:

Today, take ten minutes of “solitary time.” Ask the Lord: “Am I doing what is popular, or what is Purposed?” Be brave enough to say “no” to a good thing so you can say “yes” to God’s thing.

Prayer

Gracious Father, we thank You for the example of Your Son, who was never swayed by the demands of the crowd but was always led by the Spirit. Forgive us for the times we have mistaken busyness for fruitfulness. Grant us the discernment to navigate our own divine dilemmas. Help us to seek Your face in the quiet places so that we may know exactly where You want us to go next. May our lives reflect Your priorities, not our own. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.