"Now more than ever the word about Jesus spread; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured...
But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray." (Luke 5:15-16 NRSV)
I am intrigued by how Jesus intentionally stepped out of the spotlight. He never grasped for status, PR or prestige. He always moved and ministered on the outskirts.
Jesus could have been the "latest and greatest" on the scene--
he was attracting thousands. He could have been bigger than
the Jewish religious leaders--those who made themselves his opponents. He could have been bigger than Herod or Pilate--
those who ultimately took his life. He could have leveraged his fame to produce positions and wealth--but he didn't.
Jesus was a celebrity and could have been in the headlines...
But he stayed on the sidelines by choice.
This speaks into our culture of popularity and fame...
And how I must act and interact differently as a follower of Jesus.
