The Need for Solitude. Mark 6:30-34.
The disciples returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Dear Pilgrims and Sojourners,
The service of God is not without its challenges and the need to rest and rejuvenate. Jesus is pointing this out to the disciples.
Report (v. 30). The apostles return from the mission Jesus had sent them out to execute (vv. 7-10). They relate their experiences to Jesus and recount what they “had done and taught.” That account must have included the healing of the sick and the casting out of demons, as we have already seen (v. 13). Obviously, this was a wonderful experience and the apostles must have been excited. Who would not be after a first experience of healing the sick and casting out demons?
Retreat (vv. 31-32). Jesus knew that the disciples needed rest. Intense ministry saps one’s energy and can lead to burnout. Elijah the great prophet suffered such discouragement that he wanted to die (1 Kings 19:4,10). Yet this was after a great victory over the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36-40). So Jesus calls the apostles away from the crowds to seclusion.
Recognition (vv. 33-34). But the disciples were not going to get their respite. In addition to Jesus’ miracle-working, the disciples had now also become an attractive extension. The boat they were in was spotted and the crowd ran ahead and intercepted it. Yet Jesus was not upset. He had compassion for the people because, like sheep without a shepherd, they were lost. So Jesus relented and taught them. Rest is important and we must plan for it. But we must never ignore need in order to take our rest.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.