“Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.” Mark 6.45-46
Jesus was like a rockstar. I’ve pointed that out more than once. By this I mean he was very famous. The crowds gathered around him relentlessly. Now that they knew what he could do, they came in droves (think Taylor Swift). Thousands and thousands of people crowding around him, calling out his name, begging him for healing, wholeness and mercy.
The crowds became so great that Jesus had to intentionally dismiss them this particular night. He had just fed the five thousand and everyone was satisfied. He cared for his disciples by “making them get into the boat and go ahead of him to Bethsaida.” I’m sure his “security detail” wanted to remain behind. Those who were caring for Jesus most certainly did not want to leave him but I’m sure Jesus insisted — for their own good.
After everyone was taken care of — the disciples were on a boat, the crowds were going home – Jesus retreated by himself upon on a mountainside to pray. Jesus could have done anything that day. He could have binge watched The Office, made a late night Dennys run, or just gone to bed! But Jesus did none of these things. The way he replenished his energy was to spend time with his Heavenly Father by himself.
This is not the first time Jesus goes alone to pray. We see it throughout Scripture. Jesus goes back to well for strengthening, sustenance and security. As we learn that the Father and Jesus are one, this time of connecting was crucial.
Now if it had been me, I would have plopped down on the coach and taken a nap. But not Jesus. He went straight to the Father for refreshing.
Maybe this is a lesson for all of us. Maybe God is calling us back to himself for refreshment in the Spirit. Perhaps next time we need rest, we go first to God, open his Word, and enjoy the benefits of His Spirit.
“O Lord God, it’s another cold day in January. I am sitting by a warm fire, thankful for your presence in this room. Even when my love fails, your love remains steadfast. Thank you Lord for loving me, for the power of your grace and the persistence of your nature. I love you Lord and praise you name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen