Our recent passages (Mark 6:14-29) were a flashback to the beheading of John the Baptist.  That grisly saga started when Herod heard that Jesus had sent out His disciples two by two to different towns to announce the need for repentance (Mark 6:12-13) ... just as John had done!  Perhaps the disciples thought they might be next for execution. Or they may well have been buoyed up by the extraordinary exorcisms when they used the Name of Jesus to confront demons.  Having returned to Jesus with their reports of spiritual victory, their excitement minimised their sense of tiredness, but they were all exhausted.

Work, for Jesus, was ministering to people who needed teaching, healing and exorcising.  Wherever He went crowds flocked to him.  As His reputation spread there was little time to rest.  Jesus often took time in the early morning to spend alone with Father God (Mark 1:35); the disciples just got exhausted (Mark 14:37-40).  Jesus understood that they did not yet know how to become fresh in the spiritual battles to come and so He taught them another lesson.  It was a command.  'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest'.  It parallels the gentle rebuke to Martha who was scurrying around working while Mary was sitting and listening to Jesus (Luke 10:41-42).  It was not just the 'stop' command of the Sabbath (Deuteronomy 5:12-15), but the 'Come to me' of Matthew 11:28.  True rest is only found in the Lord (Psalm 37:7).

Exhaustion is fertile ground for self-doubt and anxiety; a weakened body and mind is an easy target for the Enemy.  What if Herod should call for them also?  So Jesus gathers them, listens to their stories, encourages them ... and then invites them to spend time away from ministry - alone with Him.  We all need it.  Not just a break from the routine or even the genuine thrill of business or career, but a real holiday - a holy-day with Jesus.  All believers who see their whole lives (home/work/church/leisure) as Christian service must have their batteries divinely recharged by choosing to spend time with Jesus.

At the end of each week, it is worth asking, "When and where shall I rest with the Lord?"  Without it we may become vulnerable to Satan's tactics, as he wants to disable us from witness next week.  If you have the privilege to be 'off' on Sunday, use the opportunity of a day to receive His Word, and to worship.  It may take planning and being clear about your priorities to others.  But you have to make those decisions for workdays - so you can also choose time with Jesus.