Resting with Jesus
When taken together, the Gospel readings for the next two Sundays (Mark 6:30-56) give a picture of how we as followers of Jesus can easily go through highs and lows, all the while being surrounded by the consistent perfect love and care of Jesus. The section in Mark 6 begins: “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.’” (Mark 6:30–31, NIV)
But what happened? People saw them get into the boat, so they quickly ran ahead to where they thought Jesus would land. So much for the time away. Time to go back to work. Except Jesus was the one still working as He taught the large crowd many things.
And then there was the new assignment He gave the disciples: “Give them something to eat.” How is that supposed to happen? There weren’t nearly enough resources. Why didn’t He just send them away to take care of themselves? But after giving thanks over the few loaves of bread and fish that were found, the disciples had the pleasure of participating in the miracle as they distributed what the Lord Jesus had multiplied.
Afterwards, Jesus sent them away in the boat as He stayed behind and spent the night in prayer. The disciples found themselves caught in a strong wind, and when they saw what looked like Jesus walking towards them on the water, they cried out in fear, assuming it was a ghost. But Jesus called out, “Take courage! It is I! Don’t be afraid!” He got in the boat, and everything was calm. When they landed, it was back to work as many came to see Jesus and be healed.
But perhaps they also had a new understanding of rest and getting away with Jesus. No matter where Jesus is, He brings the compassion, love, power, and peace of a wondrous God who not only wants to be with His people, but patiently leads them through all situations to a fuller understanding of what it means that He is with us always.
As the evening hymn Now Rest Beneath Night’s Shadow puts it: My loved ones, rest securely, For God this night will surely From peril guard your heads. Sweet slumbers may He send you And bid His hosts attend you And through the night watch o’er your beds. LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK #880, v. 5