Jesus Cares for Our Rest
“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
It never fails to amaze me how caring and compassionate Jesus is. In Mark 6, he sends the disciples out to preach and teach on their own (v. 7-13), and as they return elated, amazed, maybe even confused by what they experienced, Jesus listens and takes it all in.
Yet as so often happens throughout the gospels, Jesus and the disciples are flooded with more and more people, to the point that they are hungry, tired, and worn out. It’s in this moment that Jesus commands them to rest. He tells them to “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
The funny (maybe unfortunately funny) part of this story is that as the disciples get into a boat with Jesus to cross the sea, the people who had been following them beat them to the other side. I think about what that would have been like for the disciples, finally getting a break on the boat, their hearts calming down as they’re able to relax with Jesus, only to look and think “Oh no, here we go again!”
Yet Jesus has compassion on the people and ends up providing not only spiritual nourishment but physical nourishment to both his disciples and one of the largest crowds referenced in the gospels (five thousand people!). And this miracle highlights the goodness and kindness of Jesus in such a powerful way.
Jesus equips us to go out and seve and also empowers us to rest.
No matter what all we have to do today, Jesus never leaves us to handle it on our own. Where we feel exhausted, Jesus provides rest. Where we lack understanding, Jesus provides compassion and direction. And when we can only see our lack, Jesus meets us with abundance. In Him, there is always more than enough. May we be reminded of His goodness today and receive His rest and love.