The Secret Ingredient

A Stale Bag of Gummy Bears

Are you a fan of “Chopped”? It’s a reality show on the TV Food Network where contestants try to create a winning dish using a VERY limited list of ingredients. Players whip up a feast with, say, an ostrich egg, two slices of leftover pizza, and a stale bag of gummy bears.

But the premise of the program is really nothing new. Ever hear about the time Jesus challenged His disciples to feed a few thousand folks with just a couple of fish sandwiches (Mk 6:33-44)? But also He gave them a secret ingredient that made it all possible.

(Okay, I need to put all my cards on the cutting board. One, I have NEVER seen a single episode of “Chopped.” Ever. Two, I can’t cook. Fixing a PB&J is a culinary challenge for me. I don’t want anybody think I’m pretending to be Anthony Bourdain. Are we good?)

Trying to Get Away

Before there’s ever any talk of food, we see a rather crazy scene along the beach in the sixth chapter of Mark. Christ and His crew are trying to get away for some needed R&R. They’re in a boat when the crowd suddenly spots them.

“But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them” (v33). In previous chapters, the author has made it clear that Jesus is no longer just some unknown Carpenter from Nazareth. He’s now a total rock star.

Bursting out of the Boondocks

Think Beatlemania. Cheering crowds. Paparazzi. He can’t go anywhere in public anymore. You can bet restaurants and grocery stores are out of the question. Things have escalated quickly for Joe and Mary’s oldest Son.

Jesus has burst out of the boondocks of Galilee to grab headlines with a spectacular series of miracles, healings, exorcisms, and sermons. People are flocking from everywhere to see Him, hear Him, and touch Him. He’s the hottest ticket around.

As a matter of fact, Christ is probably nearing the peak of His popularity. Why do we think so? We’re about to read the ONLY miracle we’ll find in all four Gospels (Mt 14:13-21; Mk 6:33-44; Lk 9:10-17; Jn 6:1-13). An incident getting so much ink must be a big deal, don’t you think?

Who Is This Guy?

Just about everybody in Mark’s Gospel is trying to figure out just who He is. Oh, there are plenty of opinions. Could He be one of the great heroes of the OT like Elijah making an encore (Mk 6:15)? The local Roman ruler comes up with the cockamamie idea that Jesus is actually John the Baptizer back from the dead like some sort of zombie prophet (Mk 6:16).

Evil spirits never have a doubt that they’re up against anyone but “the Holy One of God” (Mk 1:24; 5:7). However He has plenty of doubters. His own mom and closest family members think He’s gone looney (Mk 3:21). Folks in His hometown don’t think He’s anything special (Mk 6:1-4).

Who Does He Think He Is?

Religious power brokers have all sorts of issues with Jesus. Can you believe He actually has the gall to forgive people of sin (Mk 2:6-7)?!? Who does He think He is…God?!? (Boy, are they gonna be surprised!)

And have you seen who He’s hanging out with? There are all sorts of reports of Him partying with the dregs of society (Mk 2:16-17). No self-respecting Sadducee, Pharisee, or scribe would be caught dead hanging out with those losers.

The Hero from Heaven

He refuses to play by any of their self-righteous rules and regs (Mk 2:18, 23-23). The religious elite eventually see Jesus as a such a threat that they accuse Him of playing for Satan’s team (Mk 3:22).

It turns out that His own cousin John is the only one who’s got Him figured out. Before Herod Antipas chops off his noggin, the Baptizer believed beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus is the Messiah, the long awaited Hero sent from heaven (Mk 1:7-11).

The Original Low Speed Chase

So when folks see our Savior and His disciples in the boat, they chase them down the beach. While they may not know exactly who He is, they know one thing for certain. He can help them. John tells us it was “because they saw His miraculous signs as He healed the sick” (Jn 6:2).

In case you didn’t already know, motorless boats make terrible getaway cars. I don’t care if you’re paddling like crazy and there’s a stiff wind filling your sails. You’re only going so fast. Forget O.J. in the infamous white Bronco. This is the original low speed chase.

Calling an Audible

It’s at this point that Christ calls an audible. Remember, the original plan was to get away for a little rest and relaxation (Mk 6:31-32). The Lord takes one look at the desperation of the people and His heart breaks.

“Jesus saw the huge crowd as He stepped from the boat, and He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (v34). How huge? We see a little later it’s several thousand people.

The Compassion of Christ

Christ’s compassion exceeds the size of the big crowd.The word we translate as “compassion” (Gr. σπλαγχνιζομαι/splagchnizomai) comes from the Greek root word bowels or intestines. It’s actually where we get “spleen.” In other words, Jesus is moved deep inside by what He sees lakeside.

We saw it earlier in Mark when His godly guts churn as He meets a leper (Mk 1:40). He has the same emotional reaction just before He feeds another big hungry crowd a little later (Mk 8:2).

Jesus’ Heart Breaks

Gospel writers make a point of telling us how our Savior repeatedly responds compassionately to the people He meets. Like when He heals two blind guys (Mt 20:34). His heart breaks when He sees a grieving mother going to bury her son (Lk 7:13).

It’s at the core of His story about the good Samaritan (Lk 10:33). From his prison cell in Rome, Paul feels for his friends back in Philippi “with the tender “compassion” (Gr. σπλαγχνιζομαι/splagchnizomai) of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:8).

Too Much Valium?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking Christ is some expressionless religious robot. That’s sort of how He’s portrayed in some movies. Almost like He’s popped too much Valium or Xanax.

He has feelings. Deep feelings. He cries (Jn 11:35). He gets angry (Mk 11:15-16). He laughs. Where do we see that in Scripture? I’m not sure you can convince me that His point about walking around with a 2x4 in my eye came from His passion for woodworking (Mt 7:3-5).

Jesus’ Gut Reaction

Jesus cares. No one’s heart breaks more than His you’re going through hard times. It’s a big part of what it means for Him to be Immanuel or God with us (Is 7:14; Mt 1:23). Our Savior is both 100% God and 100% Man 100% of the time. Only God Himself is capable of pulling off this mathematical miracle.

Here’s the big idea. The Son of God’s gut reaction is compassion. Always was. Always is.

Sheep without a Shepherd

What got to Jesus this time is how the crowd had nobody looking out for their best interests. “They were like a sheep without a shepherd” (v24). That’s a First Century way of saying no one’s leading them or protecting them.

A couple of thousand years later, it’s really no different. Without a shepherd, we wander aimlessly. We let culture, peer pressure, and our personal desires determine where we go and what we do.

Sitting Ducks

Without a shepherd, we’re each easy marks for all sorts of predators. We might as well draw a target on our chest and call every one of our enemies so they’ll know we’re a sitting duck.

An Ancient Idea

This is an ancient idea. We actually see it more than a thousand years before Jesus. When Moses realizes he’s going to die, he asks God to give His people a new leaders so they “won’t be like sheep without a shepherd” (Num 27:17).

God Gets Involved

Another time, God blows His holy stack because of Israel’s selfish leaders. He tells Ezekiel, “My sheep have been scattered without a shepherd” (Ezek 34:5). That’s when Yahweh He must get personally involved in leading and protecting His people.

“I will rescue My flock…I Myself will search and find My sheep…I will find My sheep and rescue them…I will bring them back home…I will feed them…I will give them good pastureland…I Myself will tend My sheep…” (Ezek 34:10-16).

The Great Shepherd

It’s the same divine Caretaker King David sings about. “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews My strength” (Ps 23:1-3).

Jesus pulls no punches and makes it clear He’s that very same heaven-sent Hero. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11). How good? Well, the writer of Hebrews takes it up a couple of notches when writing about “our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb 13:20).

Caring for the Crowd

The Son of God wastes no time providing the people with guidance. “So He began teaching them many things” (v34). Once again, Jesus unpacks the truth of God’s love for them. It’s a mega-theme in Mark’s Gospel to this point (Mk 1:38-39; 2:13; 4:1-34; 6:2, 6).

Despite His original plans for some time away with His team, Jesus spends the rest of the day caring for the crowd. That’s when some members of the Twelve decide the people don’t have to go home but they can’t stay here.

It’s Been a Long Day

“Late in the afternoon His disciples came to Him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it’s getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat’” (v35-36).

It’s been a long day. A VERY long day. The boys pull the Boss aside and give Him some advice. Jesus, we’re not sure if you’ve noticed but it’s getting dark and we’re in the middle of nowhere. We’ve got nothing so the best thing is tell them to leave.

Here’s a little tip. Think twice anytime before telling the Lord what to do. As the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He’s got this. He’s been running the universe long before I showed up. I need to be listening and obeying. Christ doesn’t need a consultant.

Back to Disciples Again

A couple of interesting points about verse 35. First of all, the apostles of Mark 6:30 are suddenly back to being disciples again. Is that a result of getting too big for their apostolic britches?

Notice their description of this “remote place” (v35). It’s the same Greek words the NLT translates as a “quiet place” twice earlier (Mk 6:31-32). Sometimes ερημος/eremos describes a wasteland or desert. But it also can mean a lonely, quiet place of solitude.

First century writers also use the same term when talking about a pasture for grazing livestock. This piece of land isn’t tilled for farming. Keep that idea in your hip pocket. We’ll get back to that in a moment.

You Feed Them

If we flip over to John’s Gospel, he tells us this is actually a conversation with one disciple named Philip (Jn 6:5-7). Jesus asks Phil what he thinks they should do. But the Lord already had a plan. Let’s just say it’s going to be a teachable moment.

“But Jesus said, ‘You feed them’” (v37). Wouldn’t you give anything to see the look on their faces when He said this? You have GOT to be joking, Jesus! “‘With what?’ they asked. ‘We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!’” (v37).

The disciples comeback absolutely drips with sarcasm. They take a wild guess that the cost to feed the crowd at 200 denarii. In that day, a denarius is what a blue collar worker earns in a day. It would take one guy working more than six months to come up with that kind of cash.

You Can’t but God Can

Remember, the boys are fresh off their first assignment without the Savior (Mk 6:12-13, 20). He gives them a great chance to put into practice what they’ve learned along the way. Hint: It’s NOT about you. It’s ALL about what Christ can do THROUGH you.

How do you and I react when Jesus gives us a seemingly impossible assignment? What appears to be a lost cause may actually be an opportunity for God. The next time that happens, do what you can and ask God to do the rest. As Mike Lee likes to say, “You can’t. But God can.”

Doing Due Diligence

Maybe they’re hoping He would say, “Just kidding. I’ve got this.” But Jesus isn’t letting them off the hook. He keeps pushing them to make it happen. “‘How much bread to you have?’ He asked. ‘Go and find out’” (v38).

Before we jump to any conclusions, we need to do our research. He wants His disciples to do their due diligence. Look around. Ask around. You might be surprised what God has already supplied.

The boys didn’t even know what they didn’t know. They hadn’t checked to see what people may have with them. Just so you know, a little with Jesus is WAY more than a lot without Him. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Getting off Our Blessed Assurance

Over and over again, our Savior works through us to help others. That’s why He calls the church His body. We’re His hands and feet to accomplish His mission of meeting people’s needs.

It’s the convicting message of Matthew West’s song “Do Something.”

People living in poverty

Children sold into slavery

The thought disgusted me

So, I shook my fist at heaven

Said, “God, why don’t You do something?”

He said, “I did, yeah, I created you.”

If these lyrics don’t get us off our blessed assurance to do something, we’ve got problems.

Taking Inventory

After checking with the big crowd, the boys report back to the Lord. “We have five loaves and two fish” (v38). It kinda reminds me of the scene in “Apollo 13” where the engineers dump everything the crew has on board to work with onto the table.

John tells us how Pete’s brother Andrew finds a little boy who brought his lunch (Jn 6:8-9). Chances are it’s what we call today St. Peter’s fish, a variety of tilapia.

Little More than a Lunchable

The fourth Gospel also specifically says these are small loaves of “barley.” It’s the cheapest bread, only eaten by the poorest of the poor. Not exactly fresh artisanal loaves from that trendy new bakery.

In essence, they have what amounts to a couple of fish sandwiches. It’s little more than a Lunchable. Something tells me, the disciples aren’t exactly feeling optimistic at this point.

The Green Grass of Galilee

But that’s not stopping Christ. “Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred” (v39-40). “Green grass,” huh? Here in the rolling meadows near the Sea of Galilee, the Shepherd is about to feed His flock.

It Doesn’t Add up

You have to wonder what’s going through the heads of His disciples as they organize the people into various groups to eat. You don’t have to be a math major to realize two fish + five loaves + 20,0000 people just doesn’t add up to dinner.

That’s because they’re leaving out the Secret Ingredient that makes a miracle out of a kid’s meal. A healthy heaping of the Son of God. “Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them” (v41).

An Attitude of Gratitude

The great chefs all have their favorite items to add to recipes. Everything from peanut oil to pickle juice. But that’s nothing compared what Christ cooks up in the kitchen. It’s why David sings, “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Ps 34:8).

Jesus lifts His face toward His Dad and blesses the humble meal. Flip over to John’s version and he tells us that our Savior “gave thanks to God” (Jn 6:11). Instead of griping about what He doesn’t have, He thanks His Father for what He does have. I think we could learn a big lesson when it comes to an attitude of gratitude.

The Ultimate Giver

The Lord begins with the bread. “Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, He kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people” (v41). Mark’s choice of words here is fascinating.

When he writes about how Jesus “kept giving,” the author uses a from of the verb describing a continual, non-stop distribution. He keeps giving and giving and giving and giving. We really shouldn’t be surprised. God is ultimate Giver. He gave His Son who gave His life for us (Jn 3:16).

An All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Buffet

If you think what Christ did with the bread is big deal, you ain’t seen nothing yet. “He also divided the fish for everyone to share” (v41). A pair of tilapia suddenly becomes enough for everybody.

Are we making more of this than we should? Did Jesus provide just a bit of finger food? A handful of hors d’oeuvres? A sort of Galilean tapas? Nope. “They all ate as much as they wanted” (v42). The Lord transforms extremely limited resources into an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet so big that it would make the folks at Red Lobster nervous.

A LOT of Leftovers

If that’s not crazy enough, there are leftovers!! “And afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish” (v43). Somehow, someway, they end up with more food after the meal than they had when they started. That’s a LOT of Tupperware!

This is what happens when Jesus is the Secret Ingredient.

A Sellout Crowd at the Garden

Just how large was this seaside picnic? “A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed” (v44). As if 5,000 hungry folks aren’t enough, that’s just the number of men in the crowd. Jesus feeds their families too! We’re talking about at least 15,000-20,000 people…a sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden!!

Shining His Light through Cracked Pots

We need to remember that the Lord loves to do amazing stuff in and through His followers. He transforms our piddly possessions into mammoth miracles. We simply give it to Him and allow Him to do what He does best.

Each time Christ calls us out of our comfort zone, it’s a chance for Him to take center stage. I mean, if I can do it all by myself, how does that point anyone to Him? He loves to shine His light through cracked pots like you an me (2Cor 4:7).

Give it all to God no matter how little you have. Let Him use it. Let Him use YOU. 

Jesus is the Secret Ingredient.

©2017
Jay Jennings

Need to Get Away?

 

Desperately Needed R&R

Wanna get away? You’ve seen the Southwest Airlines commercials. There’s always some poor goober who suddenly realizes he’s just made a ridiculous goof and needs to immediately beat feet. Like mistaking a bank robbery getaway car for his Uber.

But there are also times when you NEED to get away. You may not even realize it. Shoot, you might even not want to. But a friend sees it. I mean, it’s obvious to those who know you that you desperately need some R&R.

Back from Their First Assignment

That is exactly what’s going on in chapter six of Mark’s bio of Jesus (Mk 6:30-32). The radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth gathers His team back together after their first assignment without Him.

Outside pressures and demands interrupt their debrief to the Lord. So much so that they don’t even have time to hit a drive-thru for lunch, much less pop into a convenience store for a snack.

A Bloody Birthday Party

That’s when Christ makes the call. They need quiet. They need rest. He has just the place to do it. The big crowd demands their immediate attention. But Jesus and the boys desperately NEED to get away.

The writer of this Gospel picks up the story from where he left off a few verses back in chapter six. In between, Mark devotes a big chunk of space telling the gory story about how Herod Antipas’ bloody birthday party quickly escalates from a sleazy striptease to John the Baptizer’s death (Mk 6:14-29).

A Sneak Preview

Just before that flashback, Mark recounts how our Savior sends out the original Dirty Dozen to take down demonic spirits, heal the sick, and basically give folks a sneak preview of His coming kingdom (Mk 6:7-13).

“The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told Him all they had done and taught” (v30). We don’t know how long they were gone. We do know they left in teams of two with minimal gear (Mk 6:7-9). Pack light. Travel light. Shine the Light.

Sent with Authority

Don’t miss the fact that Mark describes these guys when they return as “apostles” (v30). The Greek word αποστολος/apostolos paints a picture of one who is sent with complete authority. It’s an official rep or ambassador. An apostle’s words have the same weight as the one who sent him. Think full power of attorney.

Maybe you’re like me and just figured the terms apostle and disciple are interchangeable. Two words that basically mean the same thing. Well, they ARE two words that basically describe the same people…but they mean very different things.

It’s All About Trajectory

You see, a disciple draws near so that he or she can follow and observe their mentor. An apostle goes out on assignment on someone’s behalf. See the difference? Christ calls His disciples in and sends His apostles out. Think of it this way. It’s all about trajectory.

It’s interesting to note that Mark only refers to Jesus’ closest followers as apostles twice in the second Gospel. The only other time he uses this title is when the Lord sets the original roster at twelve (Mk 3:14).

Now the boys don’t become full-time apostles until after Jesus’ resurrection and return home to heaven (Acts 1:25-26). It won’t be long before that happens. After three years of coming in and following Jesus, it will be Go Time.

Avengers Assemble

Meanwhile, Mark reinforces this idea of Jesus’ closest followers coming and going when he writes about their return from their ministry tour. The original language uses a verb the NLT translates as “returned” (Gr. συναγω/sunago) which means to come together, gather, assemble, collect, unite, or meet.

This is actually where we get the word “synagogue” which at its core simply means the gathering. Long before the Avengers assembled, the Twelve did it first. Notice that same pattern: Jesus sends them out. Jesus calls them back in.

Gathering and Scatting

And He’s still doing it a couple of thousand years later. He sends us out. He calls us back together. It’s the healthy rhythm of following Christ. Going out on mission in His name. Coming back together for encouragement and accountability.

It’s what we should do regularly. We gather with other believers. Both in big groups as the local church and small groups in people’s homes. Andy Stanley likes to call it meeting in rows and meeting in circles. It’s what Jesus’ very first followers did after His He road a cloud back to the heavenly palace (Acts 1:9; 2:46).

We come together. We go back back out. We gather. We scatter. You don’t do one without the other. We gather to scatter. We scatter to gather. Think of your walk with Christ as a team sport. We each certainly have an individual responsibility but it’s truly a team sport.

Telling Him about Their Trip

Mark tells us how the boys come back to town and fill the Lord in on all that went down. Imagine their excitement. Each two-man team can’t wait to tell their Master what happened on their trip. They give Him the play-by-play of “all they had done and taught” (v30).

Can’t you picture it? They’re talking over one another. They’re fighting to go next. You think THAT’S something?!? You’ll NEVER believe what happened! Yeah, I’m pretty sure He does. But go ahead. He loves hearing them share their stories.

Jesus Calls an Audible

That’s when the Lord calls an audible. “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (v31). Notice first that He doesn’t give them a weekend off individually. He knows how important it is for them to go away together as a group.

Jesus only has three and a half years to build a team to change the world. With the clock ticking, He’s not going to waste one single second. It’s what one of His apostles will later write to some folks in Ephesus. “Make the most of every opportunity” (Eph 5:16).

A Team Retreat

Christ plans this team retreat at a “quiet place” (v31, 32). It’s actually the very same words Mark uses later when he describes “remote place” (Mk 6:35). Once again, a quick dive into the original Greek helps us out.

The word the NLT translates as both “quiet” and “remote” is ερημος/eremos. Sometimes we see it describing a wasteland, desert, or wilderness. But it also can mean a lonely, quiet place of solitude.

First century writers also use the same term when talking about a place where livestock would graze which isn’t tilled for farming. It’s a pasture, not a cultivated farm field. That makes sense when Mark makes a point of describing the “green grass” (Mk 6:39).

Chilling It after Killing It

The goal of this getaway to “rest awhile” (v31). They’re not headed to an all-inclusive resort with a long list of activities like snorkeling, golf, tennis, parasailing, and hiking. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with any of those. But they have their place. At this point, the disciples simply need to chillax together.

Jesus actually orders them to take the time off. The word for “rest” (Gr. αναπαυω/anapauo) is all about causing someone to become physically refreshed by resting after work. You’ve been killing it. Now it’s time for chilling it.

Getting Rest to Be at Our Best

We see the very same word in Matthew’s Gospel when Christ invites each of us to take a break from busting our butts to earn God’s approval. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Gr. αναπαυω/anapauo)” (Mt 11:28). He’s already done all the work for us so that we don’t have to.

Jesus knows they all need some serious R&R. He knows that in order for them to be their best, they need to rest. They need to retreat, recharge, refresh, and relax. We ALL do. Yes, you. Same for the knucklehead at the keyboard.

A Quiet Place

Each one of us needs to get regular rest. It must be a regular part of the rhythm of our lives. We all have a need to go to a quiet place.

A quiet place WITHOUT distractions.

A quiet place WITHOUT wifi, smartphones, TVs, and earbuds.

A quiet place WITH God.

Digital Detox

How can I expect to hear Him above all the noise of 21st century entertainment? Mark Batterson believes there’s zero chance of hearing the “gentle whisper” of our Redeemer above the racket. Let’s turn up the chances of hearing from Almighty God by turning down the volume.

Call it a digital detox. A technology fast. Get alone with your Savior. Think about it for just a moment. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords can’t wait for you to join Him for a little one-on-one time. If the Sovereign Lord of the universe can fit that into His calendar, why can’t I?

Previously on the Gospel of Mark

Did you notice that even Jesus sees the need and join the boys in taking time off after a very busy few days. And man, have they been busy! If Mark’s storyline is any indication, the Lord and His team have been on quite a roll over the past few days.

As they say at the beginning of those binge-worthy Netflix series, “Previously on the Gospel of Mark.” There’s the wild scene at His house in Capernaum when the scribes try to shut Him down and His family tries to take Him home (Mk 3:20-35).

A Big Storm and a Naked Man

Right after that, Christ teaches a big crowd from a boat near the big lake and uses a boatload of illustrations about God’s kingdom (Mk 4:1-34). Immediately after shoving off for an overnight cruise with His crew on the Sea of Galilee, our Savior shuts down a nasty thunderstorm (Mk 4:35-41).

When they arrive on the far side of the lake, Jesus casts a few thousand demons out of a tortured dude wandering buck naked in a cemetery (Mk 5:1-20). He and the boys immediately get back in the boat and head back home, only to be greeted by a doubleheader of desperation when both Jairus and bleeding woman beg for Jesus’ help (Mk 5:21-43).

Stop the World, I Want to Get off

From there, they head for Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. When He preaches at the local synagogue, locals can’t swallow His claim to be the Christ so He immediately hits the road and visits neighboring villages (Mk 6:1-6). Next, He sends out His closest followers teams of two so they can give it a try without Him (Mk 6:7-13).

In the middle of this craziness, it’s clear to Christ that His crew desperately needs to get away. But it’s not going to be easy. The world won’t stop spinning just because you need to get off. Like the Lord, we can’t wait for a break. We need to be intentional.

Inside Info

How busy are Jesus and the boys? “He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat” (v31). Once again, Mark drops an exclusive detail we don’t get anywhere else.

Where’s he getting his info? Probably from Peter. The earliest church fathers believed the apostle Jesus nicknames Rocky is Mark’s source. Think of the second book of the NT as the Gospel of Peter as told to John Mark.

Skipping Meals

Clearly the pace is REALLY picking up for Jesus and the guys. So much so that they’re skipping meals. A couple of thousand years later, serving our Savior can still get crazy busy. There are going to be days when it’s hard to eat well. But the lack of food and rest for long periods of time is totally unsustainable.

Deluded Little Would-Be Messiahs

I know. I know. You’re different. You can do this. WRONG. Stop pretending to be God. Too many of us fit John Ortberg’s description of “deluded little would-be messiahs.” Yeah, I’m talking to you. And me. Prideful much?

The universe can function without you for a couple of days. Our planet won’t start wobbling out of control if you take a couple of days off. It’s okay to get some rest. People will survive. And you will thrive. I promise.

He Makes Me Lie Down

Let’s cut to the chase. We really only have two choices. We’ll get some rest or God will make us rest. Put it another way. I’ll sabbath or God will sabbath me. Jesus had to teach me this the hard way. When I believed I was too busy to take time off, He called a time out for me.

Don’t believe He’ll do it? Check out the second verse of Psalm 23. If you’re like me, it’s become so familiar that we miss an important point. “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (Ps 23:2 NIV). Did you see it? “He MAKES me lie down.”

Looking out for Our Best Interest

Our Good Shepherd is looking out for our best interest. He knows what we need…even better than we do. And He knows there are times when I NEED rest. When that happens, He MAKES me lie down.

Let me strongly suggest that you build regular quiet and rest into your schedule. Otherwise the Lord will do it for you. He will eventually sabbath you if you don’t sabbath yourself.

Running on E

Too many times, the result of no rest is burn out. When that happens, it’s easy to think we’re spiritually or emotionally empty. There’s a good chance we’re simply physically exhausted. We just need to get some rest.

Let me explain. Burn out occurs when we misread the gauges on our dashboard. We all have four tanks: spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. It might feel like I’m running on E in my walk with Jesus. I may feel mentally drained.

Chances are, I just need to rest. I just need to get away. To recharge. To relax. To refresh. And most important of all, with my Redeemer.

A Specific Spot

So that’s exactly Jesus and His disciples do. “So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone” (v32). The original text makes it clear the Lord had a specific location in mind.

Do you have a go-to place where you can go to and get away? A peaceful place. No distractions. No interruptions. Just you and Jesus.

The Busyness of Your Brain

A word of warning. When you get there, it won’t get quiet right away. You can shut down the external noise, but it’s going to take some time for your mind to slow down. Might be a day or two. Eventually the busyness of your brain will shut down. Give it time.

It’s What We ALL Need

There’s just one little problem for our Savior and His team. There’s a hungry crowd chasing them down the beach. But that’s another story for another day.

In the meantime, take some time to get away with the Son of God. You may not even realize how badly you need it. But you do. And I do. Let’s not wait too long to take the Lord up on His offer.

Wanna get away? Better yet, NEED to get away?

©2018

Jay Jennings