Mark 6:30-32

Passage

The apostles return to Jesus after having been sent out.  They told Jesus all that they had done and taught.  Jesus invited them to go away with Him for a little while in order to rest.  This was because there were so many people coming and going that they didn’t even have any time to eat.  So they went away in a boat to a desolate place in order to get some time alone.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The apostles come back to Jesus.  They appear quite excited about what they’ve been able to accomplish.  They tell Jesus not only what they were able to do but also what they were able to teach.  Here we get a clear picture that being a disciple is not just about doing God’s work but also teaching God’s ways.  We must be sure to talk about God and walk with God.

Have you ever been a part of doing something special and feeling as though God was a part of it?  Why do those types of events generate enthusiasm?  Have you ever been able to teach something spiritual to someone else?  How does it feel to convey information that is likewise meaningful to you?

Second Thought:

After the disciples returned, they continued to be very busy.  There can be no doubt that there were still people coming to Jesus as had been happening before the disciples were sent out.  But now that they have returned with some success, they have likely attracted a little following for themselves, too.  Grouping them all together with Jesus would only serve to heighten the attraction of the crowd to them and make their lives busier.

Have you ever had a moment in your life when you wanted to be alone but other people kept demanding your time?  Have you ever had a moment when you just wanted to be alone with a spiritual mentor and others kept getting in the way?  How normal do you think this reality actually is in life?

Third Thought:

Jesus knows what the disciples need.  They need a weekend retreat to simply get away.  They need some time off.  They need some time to be able to do some serious reflecting on their life.  They need some time away from the crowds so that they can figure out exactly what God is doing in their life.  So Jesus invites them into a desolate place so that they might have some time alone.  It just so happens that the desolate place is on a boat in the middle of a lake.

How often do you need time alone to process life?  How do you process your life?  Do you have spiritual mentors and friends that help you process your life?  Do you ever feel good about getting away from the “crowd” and stress in life?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 6:33-34