The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits
While my own reading of the gospels began to help form and reform some of my views of who Jesus is, it was my encounter with a more comprehensive study that helped me deepen and broaden my thinking. Christopher Maricle’s The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits (2007) summarizes his study of the words and actions of Jesus in the gospels in relation to the question: “What did Jesus say and do during his public ministry that would be instructive for us?”
Maricle has been involved in Catholic education as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. He is a layperson who turned to the gospels not only to see what Jesus’ priorities are, but also how then those should impact modern day disciples of Jesus.
The 8 Priorities
Maricle’s in-depth study counted the total number of events (the number of times Jesus said or did something) and the total number of times that event was recorded in the gospels. The results show eight priorities:
| Priority | Events | Recordings |
| Heal | 36 | 63 |
| Love | 24 | 35 |
| Pray | 23 | 32 |
| Spread the Word | 18 | 36 |
| Treasure in Heaven | 12 | 25 |
| Seek God’s Will | 14 | 16 |
| Children as Precious | 6 | 14 |
| Live with Humility | 9 | 12 |
So What?
My struggle for understanding began as I searched Scriptures with a basic question in mind, was refined by a consideration of the more systematic approach taken by Maricle, and came to life through a multi-week study in community that was based on the priorities. Have you taken the time to look at how Jesus prioritized his life and ministry? If so, how has that impacted your life as a disciple? If not, will you commit to do so?
Maricle offers multiple practical ways to live out each priority. The top three priorities follow as an example:
- Heal: stay deeply connected to compassion, say yes to strangers, do what is within your power to do, see with the heart
- Love: show mercy no matter what, extend forgiveness without limit, love others as your expression of love for God
- Pray: pray alone, pray persistently, pray with others, pray simply
Priorities tell a great deal about a person. Maricle notes that each of “Jesus’ eight priorities points to the importance of placing the needs of others before our own interests (p. 118). Are your priorities others first oriented?
What are the top priorities in your life? If you showed that list to a dear friend or your spouse would that person agree with the list? What do all of your priorities say about you and about your committment to your faith and to others?
The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits. Upper Room Books, 2007. ISBN: 9780835899147.