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The Ministry of Healing
His whole being. From hours spent alone with God He came forth,
morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men.
It was just after the return from their first missionary tour that
Jesus bade His disciples, Come apart, and rest awhile. The disci-
ples had returned, filled with the joy of their success as heralds of
the gospel, when the tidings reached them of the death of John the
Baptist at the hand of Herod. It was a bitter sorrow and disappoint-
ment. Jesus knew that in leaving the Baptist to die in prison He
had severely tested the disciples’ faith. With pitying tenderness He
looked upon their sorrowful, tear-stained faces. Tears were in His
own eyes and voice as He said, “Come ye yourselves apart into a
desert place, and rest awhile.”
Mark 6:31
.
Near Bethsaida, at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee, was a
lonely region, beautiful with the fresh green of spring, that offered a
welcome retreat to Jesus and His disciples. For this place they set
out, going in their boat across the lake. Here they could rest, apart
from the confusion of the multitude. Here the disciples could listen
to the words of Christ, undisturbed by the retorts and accusations of
the Pharisees. Here they hoped to enjoy a short season of fellowship
in the society of their Lord.
Only a short time did Jesus have alone with His beloved ones, but
how precious to them were those few moments. They talked together
regarding the work of the gospel and the possibility of making their
labor more effective in reaching the people. As Jesus opened to
them the treasures of truth, they were vitalized by divine power and
inspired with hope and courage.
[57]
But soon He was again sought for by the multitude. Suppos-
ing that He had gone to His usual place of retirement, the people
followed Him thither. His hope to gain even one hour of rest was
frustrated. But in the depth of His pure, compassionate heart the
Good Shepherd of the sheep had only love and pity for these restless,
thirsting souls. All day He ministered to their needs, and at evening
dismissed them to go to their homes and rest.
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In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, the Saviour found
it necessary to turn aside from ceaseless activity and contact with
human needs, to seek retirement and unbroken communion with His
Father. As the throng that had followed Him depart, He goes into the