The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. 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.”
Mark 6:30-34 NLT
Jesus needed his space. He had been teaching, healing, and in fellowship all day. He needed to refuel by being alone. Every time I read this, I picture Jesus excited to be alone with his friends, but then he sees the shoreline and he just sags because he can’t.
There are so many days I find myself just wanting quiet. After a long day at work, my feet hit the ground harder for my own kids, my friends, my 7th graders…
Make dinner
take care of the pets
help with homework
oh you need your uniform washed? On it!
crap I have to pay these bills
I forgot to check in on that one person I said I would text.
Ugh… it’s church night, I’m so exhausted do I really have to? YES! Yes I do.
It’s a lot. I don’t say this for pity or bragging rights, I say it and do it because it’s important to me and I love every second of it! The people in my life need to know I will show up no matter what.
It’s a good lesson for us that when we’re burned out and exhausted and just want to be alone… People still need us. So, we need to dig deep sometimes and show them the love that Jesus showed all of these people. There will be time for refueling, and filling up. There always is. Later in the passage it says,
“Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.”
Mark 6:45-46 NLT
He found time. To feed his soul, and to be alone.
Look at what’s going on in our world today, I wonder how many of these people who are hurting, afraid, angry, and want justice… just need to see Jesus.
The question that runs through my head right at this moment is: how can WE BE JESUS on the ground?
No tricks. No gimmicks. Just straight up Jesus love to everyone.