The Unhurried Jesus
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
30 After the apostles returned to Jesus, they told him everything they had done and taught. 31 But so many people were coming and going that Jesus and the apostles did not even have a chance to eat. Then Jesus said, “Let's go to a place where we can be alone and get some rest.” 32 They left in a boat for a place where they could be alone. 33 But many people saw them leave and figured out where they were going. So people from every town ran on ahead and got there first. 34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw the large crowd that was like sheep without a shepherd. He felt sorry for the people and started teaching them many things. 35 That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it's already late. 36 Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the farms and villages near here and buy something to eat.” 37 Jesus replied, “You give them something to eat.” But they asked him, “Don't you know it would take almost a year's wages to buy all of these people something to eat?” 38 Then Jesus said, “How much bread do you have? Go and see!” They found out and answered, “We have five small loaves of bread and two fish.” 39 Jesus told his disciples to tell the people to sit down on the green grass. 40 They sat down in groups of 100 and groups of 50. 41 Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up toward heaven and blessed the food. Then he broke the bread and handed it to his disciples to give to the people. He also divided the two fish, so everyone could have some. 42 After everyone had eaten all they wanted, 43 Jesus' disciples picked up twelve large baskets of leftover bread and fish. 44 There were 5,000 men who ate the food. 45 At once, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and start back across to Bethsaida. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. 46 Then he told them goodbye and went up on the side of a mountain to pray.
Mark 6:30-46
Memory Verse
Mark 6:46
46 Then he told them goodbye and went up on the side of a mountain to pray.
“May I have your attention, please?”
Have you ever heard this announcement at a concert or over your school intercom? What do you do when you hear these words?
From an early age, we learn to quiet our mouths and bodies when someone asks for our attention. That’s because giving our full attention requires our whole bodies. We look at the speaker. We listen to their words. We avoid distractions.
Mark 6 describes a busy time for Jesus and his disciples. Jesus had preached in the synagogue, traveled to neighboring towns with his disciples, met huge crowds of people, cast out demons, and even mourned the death of his cousin, John the Baptist.
After all that activity, Jesus was tired, so he went up to a mountain alone to rest, pray, and spend time with his Father. He actually did this many times during his ministry. Why? Jesus understood that connecting with God required his full attention.
Many of us lead active lives. Every day is full of must-dos: wake up, get ready, go to school, attend practice, and complete other commitments. Sometimes, when all the activity stops and our bodies slow down, we feel bored.
Instead of searching for a way to fill the quiet with extra activities, try this: Talk to God! Boredom might be our first reaction to slowing down, but on the other side of boredom, we find an invitation to rest our bodies, minds, and hearts. And, like Jesus did, to connect with our heavenly Father.
Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Being still takes practice, but it’s a skill worth learning. Jesus knew that in a busy world, quiet time with God is special.
Prayer
Dear Father, In the stillness, you invite us to draw near to you, rest, and pray. Please help me to find times when I can quiet my spirit and hear your voice. Amen.Related Resources
Sara Korber-DeWeerd
Sara Korber-DeWeerd is a freelance writer, teacher, and Down syndrome advocate. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband Mark and their three children, plus one dog and seven chickens. When not teaching or writing, Sara enjoys exploring the mountains, lakes, and rocky coastlines of New England with her active family (though they usually leave the chickens at home).