Read Mark 6:30-31 NIV
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.”
Earlier in Mark chapter 6, Jesus had sent out his disciples to teach and heal. Upon their return, they began to share all they had experienced with Jesus, but the crowds still came and went. Jesus, recognizing the physical and emotional toll their journeys had taken, invites them to come away with him. Jesus understands that what they need most is a little time away from all they had just experienced to reconnect with him. Time with him would allow them to physically rest, to process and frame their experiences…and to be refueled for what Jesus had for them next. Without that time to connect with him, they likely would continue to just be tired, hungry, and grumbly.
The same is true for us. Regularly staying connected to Jesus puts us in a good place to see life with clarity, to gain perspective, rest, and to be ready for what is next.
Mark goes on to tell us that the crowds anticipated where Jesus and his disciples were headed and hustled out ahead of them and actually beat them there. But there was still the invitation and the journey with Jesus. That is good for us to remember too. The invitation to journey with Jesus is always there for us, too. The moments with him along the way, sharing the journey, are important. Life rarely stops completely for a “time out,” so being intentional about finding ways to stay connected to Jesus as he leads us is key.
