There were those who left their jobs and families behind to follow Him.  They gave up everything to be a part of it.  Some of them became His inner circle of workers and would someday continue to share the words He was now speaking to the crowds.

It was a new message.  For centuries the people had been bound by the tradition and ritual of their religion. They knew that God demanded perfection, but it was a demand they couldn’t keep, because of the chains of sin which bound their hearts.

Soon it became a tradition of good works and it appeared that nothing was going to take away their sin.  No sacrifice or offering could pay the price for disobedience to God. Only a perfect sin offering, without blemish could do that.  The time was right for God’s great intervention.

When Jesus spoke, people listened.  His message was filled with the hope everyone longed for.  He talked about a kingdom not of this world.  He shared words about life in eternity with Him and complete forgiveness of sins.  These words were balm to heal the stinging ears that heard them.  His voice could reach from the middle of a lake to even the youngest in the audience.  He spoke with complete power and authority.  They hung on every word.

Soon the crowds grew so big that His time no longer was His own.  He often retreated to the mountains or the sea to regain His strength.  His mother, Mary, grew more and more concerned over the pressures being placed on her Son’s shoulders, but continued to trust in God’s plan.  She knew this was nothing in comparison to what lay ahead for Him.

She could do nothing but wait for God’s will to be done.  In the meantime, she would join the crowds, be still and listen.