“When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.” Luke 9.10-11
The disciples had just returned from going out to preach, teach, heal, and cast out demons. They went two by two and relied completely on the Lord for their provision. Jesus then led them to a quiet place to rest, but the crowds followed. Though He intended a respite, when He saw the people, He didn’t send them away. Instead, “He welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing” (Luke 9:11).
Jesus was fully human—He needed rest. The disciples were very human too and desperately needed a break! He planned to provide that by taking them toward Bethsaida, but it was not to be. When the crowds (and the ancient equivalent of paparazzi!) learned where He was headed, they followed right along. (Think Beatlemania in the 1960s!)
This is ministry in real life: sometimes a break comes, and other times we just keep plugging away. Even though Jesus sought rest for His disciples, the crowds interrupted, and they returned to the work at hand.
What was that work? Was it social activism? Running a food bank? Teaching a Sunday School class? No. Out of all the things Jesus could have done, He chose these three: offering hospitality, preaching the kingdom, and healing. He was about making converts—using miracles to heal bodies, which so often opens the door to healing souls. Jesus wanted people to encounter God, experience grace and forgiveness, and find fullness of life in Him.
I’m right in the thick of several youth retreats with Revive (revivetexas.org). This is one of only four weekends this season when I actually get a real break. It also coincided with the start of Lent this week. No coincidence, in my mind—when I needed rest most, God brought Ash Wednesday: a solemn reminder of my mortality, my bent toward sin, and His power to save me.
Am I giving up something huge for Lent? No. But I am continuing to seek the Lord, conform to His image, die to self, and let His Spirit fill me by grace—for His glory.
“O Lord God, I understand the need for respite. Sometimes it comes, and sometimes it slips away. But in You, O Lord, I always find my true rest and peace. You are my guide and my Shepherd. You are my God and my King. Come now, Holy Spirit; let me walk in Your ways. Send Your Spirit upon me that I might become more like You—serving You all my days. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.