Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them and cured their sick.
What is it that Jesus heard? Namely, that John the Baptist had been beheaded; and, while he mourns the death of his cousin, the crowds keep coming.
Later in the passage there is the feeding of the five thousand, a story of astounding abundance!
But, I am stuck on the continuous demands on Jesus. It resonates right now.
I keep hearing about and experiencing never-ending hard things. Even when I withdraw to a quiet place to regroup and retreat, there’s barely a moment’s peace.
Honestly, I want to see Jesus modeling that we can’t do it all. At the same time, I find it interesting that when the disciples want to send the people away, Jesus invites them for a meal.
Rest and seclusion are part of our healing. We also need life-giving things - like connecting with people and meals that nourish and feel abundant!
In the day ahead of you where might you rest and where might you find something that brings you back to life?
--Theo Isoz
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