No Rest

"The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.' People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat." - Mark 6:30-31

The apostles are finally back from teaching. And Jesus, realizing how tired they must feel, tells them to go take a break. However, the people around them had other plans - their message about Jesus has spread, and many are taking notice and want to know more about this man. They have folks who are sick, who have been shunned by society, who have lost hope, and are looking for a bright light to lead them on. Who better than Jesus and his apostles?

As hard as it must have been, the apostles were no doubt ready. Mark subtly notes the transition Jesus's closest followers made by switching up the title - no longer disciples, they're apostles, or the twelve who were sent forth. In much of Christianity, the term "Apostle" is used after Pentecost, but Mark is noting the change because they've come back from their mission. They've delivered Jesus's message, and demonstrated their commitment to him by doing so. Of course, one Apostle gives up this commitment near the end of Jesus's life, but for now they're one consistent group of guys, spreading the Good News and amplifying Jesus's voice across the country.

So while they're tired, they're also ready to keep going - they have the confidence, the power and the knowledge to spread Jesus's message, and will continue to do so across many generations of Christians - all the way to us.