Grace and peace, dear friends
Today, let’s look at a unique instruction Jesus gives His disciples concerning rest after their evangelistic mission.
And the apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught.
— Mark 6:30
Mark transitions us back to the narrative where the disciples return to Jesus after being sent out to evangelize. This shift moves us from the tragic consequences of Herod’s sin in murdering John the Baptist to the positive outcome of evangelism, particularly from the perspective of those ministering.
When the disciples returned from their mission, they immediately went back to Jesus to report on their experiences.
Although Mark does not provide details of their conversation, we can assume they were filled with joy and excitement upon witnessing the amazing things God was doing in their land.
It is crucial to recognize the importance of review and feedback, even in evangelism.
Sometimes, we become so consumed with the work of evangelism that we fail to step back and evaluate what we are doing. Taking time to assess the work accomplished is essential for any evangelist.
During such reflections, we can examine the posture of our hearts, as it is easy to fall into pride, anger, envy, jealousy, and other negative emotions—even while doing the Lord’s work. For this reason, evangelists must make time for reflection. More importantly, they need spiritually mature individuals who can offer encouragement, correction, rebuke, instruction, and training.
A clear example of this is seen in the interaction between Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos:
Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, arrived at Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
— Acts 18:24-26
This highlights the importance of fellowship as an ordinary means of grace in our spiritual growth. We saw a glimpse of this when Jesus sent the twelve disciples out in pairs.
Having a fellowship of believers around us for encouragement and accountability is vital. The twelve had Jesus to listen to them, instruct them, and encourage them. This is the Christian way.
It is dangerous for a believer to isolate themselves, even when engaged in evangelism and ministry. A lone Christian is vulnerable to spiritual attacks, discouragement, and burnout.
The Need for Rest
At this point, Mark records the next instruction Jesus gave His disciples—rest.
And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)
— Mark 6:31
Mark explains why Jesus instructed them to rest. The statement “For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat” reveals their physical and mental exhaustion.
They were weary and drained. Jesus, understanding their human limitations, called them to rest. This reminds us of the compassionate nature of our High Priest:
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things like we are, yet without sin.
— Hebrews 4:15
Our Lord is not a harsh taskmaster. He is not indifferent to our struggles. He created us, and He knows our frailty. That is why, instead of sending His disciples back into ministry immediately, He calls them to rest.
This teaches us a crucial lesson—our bodies are human and finite. Since the Fall, work has been accompanied by toil and exhaustion.
Ministers of the Word must understand the necessity of rest. Ignoring this principle leads to burnout, making one ineffective and unfruitful.
Another danger of neglecting rest is that exhaustion makes us more susceptible to mistakes and even sin. Many have fallen into grievous sin because they pushed themselves too hard, growing weary and spiritually numb. Their work became routine rather than an act of worship.
Even Jesus, in His human nature, experienced exhaustion:
So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
— John 4:5-6
What Jesus commanded His disciples to do—rest—is exactly what He did when exhausted.
The Duration of Rest
Jesus instructed His disciples to “rest a while.” This phrase implies that rest is temporary, not indefinite.
Rest is meant to rejuvenate us so that we can continue the work. While Jesus did not specify an exact duration, the principle remains—rest should be long enough to restore strength but not so long that it leads to idleness.
Likewise, after engaging in ministry or any other work, we must rest with the awareness that there is still work to be done. As long as we have breath, God’s work continues. Our very lives are evidence that He is not done with us.
The Company of Rest
Jesus instructed His disciples to go to a desolate place—a secluded area where they would not be disturbed.
Mark notes that many people were still coming to them. The demands of ministry made it difficult for them to have privacy and proper rest.
Even with the intention to rest, the wrong company can become a distraction rather than a source of rejuvenation. When seeking rest, we must ensure that those around us understand its necessity and support our need for restoration.
The twelve apostles went together into the wilderness. Because they shared the same purpose, they could encourage each other during their rest.
The Activity of Rest
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus withdrawing from the crowds to pray.
Now it happened that at this time He went off to the mountain to pray, and He was spending the whole night in prayer to God.
— Luke 6:12
During our time of rest, the goal is not simply relaxation but spiritual renewal. The best way to rejuvenate is through prayer and meditation on God’s Word.
Rest is not an excuse for laziness. It is a time of reinforcement. The activities of rest should include prayer and deep study of Scripture, as these refresh our souls and prepare us to re-enter the harvest field.
The Response to Rest
Finally, we see the disciples obeying Jesus’ command:
And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.
— Mark 6:32
They did not argue or resist but accepted His instruction and withdrew from the crowds to rest.
Unfortunately, many ministers today neglect this principle. Some act as though they are invincible, refusing to take breaks. As a result, they overwork themselves to the point of burnout, becoming vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.
God has ordained rest as a means of rejuvenation. By embracing it, we glorify Him. Rest is not just a routine or a scheduled event—it is an act of worship.
Therefore, our attitude toward rest should not be casual or careless but intentional and reverent.
This is pleasing in the sight of God.
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