"A Small but Purposeful Celebration"

THESIS: Jesus uses weird times to accomplish wonderful things.

Matthew 14:12-13 (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 14

12 Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.

New Living Translation Chapter 14

13 As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.

Mark 6:29-32 (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 6

29 When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.

New Living Translation Chapter 6

30 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught.

New Living Translation Chapter 6

31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

New Living Translation Chapter 6

32 So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.

Jesus sends the Twelve out to proclaim the Kingdom to more towns & villages, while He stays behind.

During that time that they were off on their mission, Jesus’ 1st cousin, the last OT prophet, John the Baptist is beheaded while in prison by Herod the tetrarch.

About the same time that John’s followers came to tell Jesus about this personal/family tragedy, Jesus’ disciples return from their mission.

TOUGH SEASON OF PERSONAL/MENTAL/EMOTIONAL HEALTH

A BUSY, INTENSE SEASON OF ACTIVITY FOR DISCIPLES & AROUND JESUS

LOTS OF PEOPLE THAT WANTED TO BE AROUND JESUS & DISCIPLES

THE NEED TO ISOLATE, UNPLUG, PULL BACK

THESIS: Jesus uses weird times to accomplish wonderful things.

In the pericope there are 2 meals: a lavish banquet that is focused on selfish indulgence, and Jesus’ simple, purposeful one (v31)

It was necessary to not be around a large group of people

Didn’t need more people, it needed purpose

Didn’t need more complication, they needed some rest, recharge

Didn’t need more duties, they needed more reflection & rejoicing (Lk10:18,21)