Everyone needs to rest on occasion. Even God rested after He created the universe. In the Gospel account which bears his name, Mark tells us what happened one time when Jesus wanted some rest. In chapter 6, verses 30 through 32 he writes, “The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught.
He said to them, “You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.”
There were several reasons why Jesus wanted to get away and rest. His disciples were weary after an extensive preaching tour. Also, it was around this time that Jesus received the news that Herod had murdered Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. No doubt Jesus wanted some time away from the crowds to grieve. A third reason to seek quiet was that the pressure of ministry was so great that Jesus and His disciples didn’t even have time to eat. Their desire to spend some time by themselves, resting, was not to be. In verses 33 through 34 John writes, “They saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him. Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.”
It is a measure of Jesus’ greatness that instead of becoming irritated that the crowds would not leave Him alone, He had compassion on them. Are we willing to follow His example and put the needs of others ahead of our own?
Mark continues the story in verses 35 trhough 44, “When it was late in the day, his disciples came to him, and said, “This place is deserted, and it is late in the day. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give them something to eat?” He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go see.” When they knew, they said, “Five, and two fish.” He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass. They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all. They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish. Those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.”
Were the disciples truly concerned about the needs of the people, or were they merely playing on Jesus’ compassion in order to get rid of the crowd and get some badly needed rest? If they were using the hunger of the people to manipulate Jesus into dismissing the crowd, Jesus turned the tables. “If you are so concerned about the people why don’t you feed them?” The disciples were incredulous. How could they possibly afford to feed so many? However, at Jesus’ insistence, they finally produced 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. Though this was only a tiny amount of food in comparison to the need, Jesus still gave thanks for it. Are we grateful for what we have, even though it is little? Even a little is sufficient for Jesus. If we are willing to give what we have to Him, He is able to transform it into more than enough. The crowd not only had enough to satisfy their hunger, there was enough food left over to fill 12 baskets.
The disciples wanted Jesus to dismiss the crowd. However, right after feeding the people Jesus dismissed the disciples. In verses 45 through 52 John writes, “Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. When evening had come, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them, but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, “Cheer up! I AM! Don’t be afraid.” He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled; for they hadn’t understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”
Why did Jesus insist that His disciples leave? From another account of this incident we know that the crowd wished to make Jesus their king. We also know that the disciples expected to receive places of honor in the Kingdom of God. It is very possible that Jesus stranded them in the middle of the lake so they would not join the crowd in trying to place a crown on Jesus’ head. When we are stuck in an impossible situation, unable to make progress, perhaps God is doing it for our good – removing us from temptation we are not equipped to withstand.
It is significant that when Jesus approached the boat, walking on the water, He identified Himself by saying, “I AM.” Every Jew would have immediately recognized what Jesus was saying because this is the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush. Because Jesus is the “I AM” if we belong to Him there is no reason to fear any circumstance. He is in control – even of the wind and waves which threaten to destroy us.
Even though the disciples witnessed Jesus’ miracles of feeding the 5,000, walking on the water and calming the wind, they still did not understand. Another account says that after the disciples took Jesus into the boat they worshiped Him, yet Mark writes that their hearts were hardened. It is possible to worship without accepting. Do we worship God out of fear or from the heart?
There was no rest for Jesus on His return. In verses 53 through 56 Mark writes, “When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick on their mats to where they heard he was. Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.”