He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile.”  For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (Mark 6:31)

Rest. Jesus knows that’s what the disciples need after they were sent out two by two to do the work of ministry: proclaiming the gospel, casting out demons, healing the sick.

I’m guessing that rest sounds pretty good to the group from BLC who have just returned from the youth gathering in New Orleans all week. After riding high on the energy and experience of being with thousands of God’s people celebrating who they are Created to Be, I imagine they are dreaming about a good night’s sleep in their own bed, maybe not talking to another human being for a little while, recharging their batteries.

God knows that we need to rest.  God knows that we don’t have an endless supply of energy and a limitless capacity for staying engaged. And that’s what Jesus provides for his disciples as he takes them to a deserted place to rest for awhile.

But the crowds quickly track them down. Jesus might realize that the disciples need to rest, but the crowds are hungry – desperate even – for the hope and healing they know Jesus can give them. So like the relentless cry of a hungry baby at 3am who doesn’t care how desperate for sleep their Mom might be, the crowds of people aren’t about to give them a break.

It seems like the disciples’ need for rest will go unmet. But this week, I noticed an important detail that I’ve missed before: Mark says that Jesus had compassion on the crowds. That Jesus recognized they were like sheep without a shepherd. That Jesus began to teach them many things. For all we know, maybe the disciples were off taking that nap they so desperately needed.

This is not a gospel about pushing through until you are at your limit. This is not a gospel about the worthy needs of others sometimes trumping our own need for rest. This is not a gospel about neglecting our own humanity and thinking that we are the Savior others need.

This is a gospel about how Jesus’ love and grace and mercy and healing is not just for the crowds who pursue Him. It’s also for the disciples, to whom he grants rest.

Yes, we are Created to Be disciples as we heard last week. And we are beloved by God. So, while our sermon series is officially over, I’m adding a new one: we are Created to Be LOVED. To receive God’s love and mercy and grace and forgiveness through Jesus, our Good Shepherd.

May you feel the love of Christ enfold and sustain you today and always.

P.S. View Sunday’s worship service both to hear Pastor Hoffman’s sermon on being loved on BLC’s YouTube Channel. Watch past services from our recent sermon series “Created to Be” (Created to be Brave, Created to be Authentic, Created to be Free, Created to be Disruptive, and Created to be Disciples) on the Share in Worship page of BLC’s website!