He left that place and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. And crowds again gathered around him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them. (Mark 10: 1)

Jesus is leaving Capernaum, Galilee, and comparative safety. He is moving closer to Jerusalem and death.

Despite the increased threat Jesus keeps to his custom of teaching. He continues to speak and teach the truth.

The Greek for custom is etho from which is derived the English ethics. A key to ethical behavior is disciplined habit.

Even Jesus took time to explore his choices and discipline his human nature before being exposed to serious test and trial.

We cultivate the disciplines of faith, hope, and love. Like an athlete training for a championship, we seek good habits that will carry through under stress.