“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” – Mark 6:31 NIV
As we begin our new series walking through the Gospel of Mark, we’ll see that Mark writes at a high-speed, rapid pace, allowing the reader to see “snapshots” of Jesus proving He is the Son of God, the Messiah.
Interestingly enough, as fast-paced as his gospel moves, Mark highlights a key element in the life of Jesus-the need to slow down and rest.
In Mark 6, we read these words:
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 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.” NIV
Jesus’ disciples are very busy. They had just been sent out by Jesus, and were traveling around in pairs healing the sick and performing miracles in His Name. Knowledge of who they were was growing in the region and increasing numbers of people were flocking to them to be healed of various diseases. In fact, they are so busy that Mark tells us “So many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat.”
It’s no wonder, then, that Jesus immediately has His disciples get some rest: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Jesus’ command to the disciples still rings true for us today. We can often find ourselves so busy that we neglect to do things that keep us spiritually, emotionally and physically healthy.
Today, take time to pray for ways to slow down and spend time with our loving Heavenly Father. In what ways is Jesus calling you to come with Him to a quiet place and get some rest?