Mark 6:30-34 – Time to Rest
Returning to Jesus, the apostles can’t wait to tell Him all the things that have happened to them. They want to pour out their stories to Jesus – tell Him all they’ve done and said. Patiently Jesus listens to them just as He listens to us when we come to Him in prayer telling Him of all we’ve done.
Then, seeing the weariness of His disciples and the pressing crowd, Jesus tells them to come away with Him to get some rest. Jesus is not going to ask from His disciples more than they have the strength to do, and He is not going to ask them to work constantly at the expense of their health. He knows they need to spend time with Him and rest before going back to the work of teaching others. They need to get away from the distractions around them and spend some time with their Lord. It is just as easy for us as we spend our days working to honour God at whatever jobs we have to become weary and overwhelmed. That is why God gives us one day in seven, the Lord’s Day, to rest and specifically spend time with Him, so we can go back to our work refreshed.
When Jesus and the disciples reach the other side of the lake, they see that the crowd has followed them there. You can almost hear the groan of frustration from the disciples as they see the crowds gather waiting for them. But Jesus has compassion on these people who are so eager to be taught with none to teach them.
Questions
- Why did the disciples need rest?
- What was Jesus’ reaction to the crowds?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God gives us time to rest on the Lord’s Day.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.