Wednesday 24 June 2026

Psalm 61

Background
Following his time in Jerusalem with its complex encounters, Jesus finds space and time to be with his disciples and to welcome new believers, beyond the pressures of the big city. Much of Jesus’ ministry takes place in Jerusalem, in John's Gospel, and even when he is in Galilee there is always much to do.

Compared with the other gospels, there is little mention of Jesus having quiet times away from the pressures of ministry, so this glimpse of a countryside retreat is valuable in helping us understand how Jesus and the disciples work together. They have shared a great deal: the miracle at Cana (John 2:1-12), the cleansing of the Temple (John 2:13-24), and the teaching arising from Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus. Now the rhythm of discipleship gives them time to breathe and assimilate what has taken place.

Yet even at a distance from the city, Jesus continues to attract new believers wanting to share in the fresh start of baptism. John the Baptist has already made it clear that Jesus’ baptism brings the gift of the Holy Spirit as well as the cleansing of the water baptism which he offered (John 1:33). He also continues to draw folk seeking a new start, but in John 4:1 we discover that the ministry of Jesus and his disciples was outpacing John’s. The gospel suggests that there is passion and urgency among these colonised, oppressed communities for a closer relationship with God. They are reaching for hope and comfort in difficulty and finding it in the ministry of John the Baptist and, increasingly, in that of Jesus and his disciples.

These few verses reflect a balance between active engagement with those seeking to grow in faith and giving time to resource and support colleagues. The gospel shows us how Jesus builds and sustains community as he establishes his ministry and calls people to discover God’s love.

To Ponder:

• These verses end with a note of foreboding: religious leaders face political threat. What difference does this shadow make to your picture of Jesus’ ministry?
• Life had changed radically for Jesus and the disciples. When life brings you something new and unexpected, how do you make space to assimilate it?
• The Methodist Church’s Evangelism and Growth Team is supporting ‘New Places for New People’ projects. How does Jesus’ ministry, described here, help deepen your understanding of outreach to ‘new people’?

Prayer
Welcoming God, you call people to follow your son into life renewed through water and the Spirit. Come with encouragement to those who are exploring faith; come with joy to those who have made the commitment to follow Jesus; come with hope to your Church as she proclaims the good news of your love to all the world. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens
The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens is the Superintendent of the West Hertfordshire & Borders Methodist Circuit and Deputy Chair of the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex Methodist District.