A Teacher's Devotional
Rest
It’s a long time between Labor Day and Fall Break. With mid-term grades coming up, it feels like a teacher could really use a rest.
There is a story in Mark 6 that captures what mid-semester feels like. Earlier in Mark 6, Jesus had sent his disciples out two by two (Mark 6:7). In verse 30, the disciples return and tell Jesus about everything “they had done and taught.” But, as is often the case, good teaching makes for busy teachers. Because the disciples were not even eating, Jesus tells them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (verse 31).
But it’s not Fall Break yet. And while the disciples and Jesus are on the boat (verse 32), the people ran around the lake to meet them on the other side (verse 33).
Oh, well, at least they tried.
With such a large crowd and so many needs, Jesus had compassion on the people and began teaching again (verse 34).
Eventually, everyone got hungry.
The disciples suggested that Jesus give them some directions. Jesus suggested that the disciples solve the problem.
You can imagine how the disciples felt—mid-semester, hungry, tired, and people chasing them around the lake asking for help. And then Jesus gives them another problem to solve.
And that’s when the miracles started (Mark 6:38-56).
Three things to remember in the middle of the semester if you are feeling weary: Jesus knows you are worn out. He is in the midst of the teaching with you. What you have may not seem like enough.
But that is where the miracles start.
Read and Recall: Mark 6:38
Play or Sing: All the Way My Savior Leads Me, SDA Hymnal #516
Pray: “Lord, take what I have and make it enough.”
- Email: ctale@andrews.edu