Leaving the Crowd Behind

Scripture – Mark 4:35-41: ³⁵That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” ³⁹He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ⁴⁰He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” ⁴¹They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Reflection: This is very helpful to me. After a full day, Jesus left the crowd behind. He wasn’t finished in the sense of everything being done. There was still more to do. There were still people to teach and heal. Yet He was finished in that it was time for a break.

There is always more to do. I’ve learned to accept that. Everything that can be done will not be done. I can wear myself out trying to finish what is unfinishable. Or I can follow Jesus’ example and take regular breaks.

I will pay attention to Christ’s direction for me. He will always take care of me. So sometimes I will leave the crowd behind.

Lord, show me your way today. Teach me when to stay engaged and when to step back. I trust you to take care of my schedule today.