Mark 6:31 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.”
The introvert in me breaths a deep sigh of relief at the last sentence of verse 31. I like people. I really do, but they are exhausting. After time with lots of people, I desperately need “a quiet place” to “get some rest.”
Mark 6:32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
But even when they go off in a boat to a solitary place, the people follow them. Jesus describes them as being “like sheep without a shepherd,” lost, wandering, afraid. He has compassion on them and He teaches them, even though He is exhausted and was on His way to get some peace and rest.
Mark 6:33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.
Lord, When I am exhausted, I tend to shut down, shut out the world, withdraw. Folks who run across me during those times don’t get the best of me. Thank You for the reminder that You’ve got me, that You will give me the strength, and that I need to point people to You. Always. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
Have a blessed day. I love you.