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The Ministry of Health and Healing
whole being. From hours spent alone with God He came forth,
morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to the world.
[25]
Renewing Spiritual Energy
Just after returning from their first missionary tour Jesus invited
His disciples to “‘Come aside ... and rest a while.’” The disciples 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 disappointment. 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 aside by yourselves to a deserted place
and rest a while.’”
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, away
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
with their Lord.
Jesus had only a short time 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
efforts 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.
But soon the multitude was again looking for Him. Suppos-
ing that He had gone to His usual place of retirement, the people
followed Him there. 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.
In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, the Savior found
it necessary to turn aside from ceaseless activity and contact with