The sixth chapter in the Gospel of Mark gives us a really beautiful picture of how Jesus responds when we are exhausted, and life doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
After a long work trip doing ministry all over the region surrounding the Sea of Galilee, the disciples return to tell Jesus of all they had done: preaching, healing the sick, and casting out demons. These young budding leaders had hustled hard and would understandably be tired. The problem is that Jesus is quite popular by this point, and there are crowds of needy people milling around… which means no rest for the disciples, or even time to eat!
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:30-31
Maybe it is the “shelter in place” life; or helping third grade students Zoom for school; or sitting in on plenty of Zoom meetings and Bible studies myself for ministry and work, but I have to say: I feel tired. I can resonate with the “I think I’m done” feeling, only to run into the next set of things to do or group of people to help. It is in this place that Jesus offers rest.
Jesus asks us to come with him to experience a deepening, soulful rest.
Ironically, as Jesus and the disciples go looking for a quiet place, the author tells us that they run right into a group of more than 5,000 people who are hungry and looking for them. We don’t always talk about how the Feeding of the 5000 occurs with leaders feeling like they're at the end of their rope. Yet in this moment it is Jesus who steps forward and provides abundantly for all the people and his disciples — so much so that we are told leftovers abound.
Which leaves us with a tension:
Why did Jesus invite his disciples to rest, only to lead them into another ministry moment?
I’ve sat in this passage a lot, and my only thought is that this one moment is indeed restful for the disciples, only in so much as they can remain close to Jesus and receive his abundance and care as they work with him. You see, there is body rest and there is soul rest — one you can take care of with a good nap, the other only comes as we choose to be in the presence of Jesus.
Let’s pray that this week would be marked by nearness to Jesus, and that a deep sense of restoration would flood our souls as we choose life with him.
“I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11: 28b-30, MSG)
If you missed Pastor Andrew's message last Sunday from his series The Kingdom, "Jesus Is King Over All", click here to watch the video or listen to the podcast.
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