Time for Some R & R

 N.T.#545 "Time for Some R & R"

May 8, 2025

Luke 9-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Kingdom work can be exhausting but fulfilling. Sometimes you need to get away and rejuvinate. We are planning a weekend family reunion next month. I am looking forward to seeing loved ones. Jesus and His disciples needed some R & R, too. 

Jesus sent His disciples out by twos to spread the Gospel and heal folks. Herod got wind of this and Jesus' ministry.  He was perplexed (baffled) and nervous at the rumors:

• Some people thought Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead. (verse 7,9a) John had been beheaded earlier by Herod for his criticizing Herod's marriage to his brother's wife. Herod had kept John in prison for 2 years.
• Others said Jesus to be Elijah the prophet who confronted king Ahab and his idolatry, as well as 420 prophets of Baal.
• Still others said Jesus to be old prophets risen again.
• Herod had to take these rumors and public opinion seriously. 
• This ruler mad repeated attempts to see Jesus in person. (verse 9b) Most likely, Herod sent several messages to Jesus requesting a visit or a proposed meeting. (Swindoll)

Jesus ignored all of those invitations of the ruler. It wasn't His time as of yet. 

Do we have discernment as to whom we should converse? Sometimes it is best to let dead dogs lie.

LET IT GROW

Verse 10 informs us that when the apostles returned, they told Jesus about everything they encountered. 

to escape the crowds, the group went to Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew, Peter, and Philip. It was a quiet retreat along the Jordan River, away from the busy Capernaum. It was only a 4-mile walk. the guys could discuss their experiences.

Here was a remote hill country on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. I can imagine them sitting there in green grass and steep hill with a cool breeze blowing, A place to rest and listen to the Master with a fantastic lake view. (I wonder what Jesus did while the disciples were away. I think He was praying for those guys, seeking His Father's will.)

There are times we, too, need to get away from the busy schedule, noisy, and just retreat, rest, relax, unwinding, to be with Jesus. We call it a vacation. I always take my Bible with me whenever I do.

LET IT GO

Help us lighten the load of responsibilities and spend time with You, Jesus.

Strengthen our faith, Lord.

Fill our cup, Lord.