Luke 9:10-11
On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured.
Jesus can’t get a break.
After a brief sojourn in the court of Herod, we return to the main story line of Jesus’ ministry with his disciples. Previously, Jesus sent out his disciples, equipping them with his power and charging them to rely on the hospitality and generosity of others. And now the disciples return, eager to share the news of what their experience of vulnerable power (and powerful vulnerability) has been like. Just as eager to listen, he retreats with them to a city called Bethsaida, a small town just north of the Sea of Galilee.
But word of their retreat has spread. And because of Jesus’ fame, and perhaps given the additional word of what his disciples have been able to accomplish, people follow.
Who can blame them? They have come to know Jesus as a miracle worker and teacher of great repute. And now, apparently, his followers are able to perform similar miracles. Would you or I, were we in need, not also follow after Jesus seeking his blessing and benefit?
And so Jesus can’t get a break.
His response is telling. Because as eager as he may be for time with his disciples, he nevertheless welcomes the intruding crowds, teaching them about God’s kingdom and healing those who are ill. The disciples, for the moment, seem to get a rest. But Jesus embraces the crowd along with all their needs.
And so perhaps it’s not so much that Jesus can’t get a break as it as it is that he doesn’t want one. Which is good to remember. Because there will be times in our lives when we may feel that there is no end to what we need, and in those moments we may wonder if we weary the heart of God. But God neither needs nor wants a break from us and all of our needs, and each time we seek God out, God welcomes us, embracing us in love and eager to teach, heal, comfort, and inspire us.
Prayer: Dear God, remind us that you are always more eager to hear our needs and receive our prayers than we are to offer them so that we may approach you always with boldness and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Post image: James Tissot, “Jesus Teaching by the Seashore”
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