Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. . (Mar 6:31-35 NLT)

Have you ever wondered what made Jesus so attractive to the crowds, even when he tried to get away to a quiet place, the crowds followed? They didn’t come because of the great facilities, or the music, or even the light show.  They came because he spoke life to them, full of love and grace.

Jesus might be around today in person, but his word is still living and active—let the Word do the work and serve it with love and grace.  Don’t manipulate, coerce, or condemn.  If people are hungry, they will come.