Day 2 - Lead by Example

Reading Passage Matthew 8:18-22

Exhaustion is the symptom that helps us know that it is time to pump the breaks and find refreshment and rest.

I don’t know about you, but I definitely wait too long to rest deeply.

Rest from projects, helping, solving, seeking, approval rating, teaching, social media-ing, over-thinking, good working, correcting, encouraging, 

We crave simple and accessible breaks from my normal routine of home, family, people-pleasing and getting everything checked off that list.

The truth is - Jesus is capable without our hustle - shocking, I know. Jesus displays complete trust and dependence on God the Father so much that He rested.

In our passage today, Jesus leads His disciples by example and invites them to step away from the crowds and cross over the Sea of Galilee to the other side - just to get away and find some rest. 

“When Jesus saw a large crowd around him, he gave the order to go to the other side of the sea. A scribe approached him and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’” Matthew 8:18-19, CSB

The teacher of the Law was attempting to let Jesus know that he was a big fan and wanted to be associated with Him. Jesus read right through his motivation and lets the scribe know that He was only interested in those who were properly motivated to serve with Him. Jesus says something interesting next:

“Jesus told him, ‘Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’” Matthew 8:20, CSB

Jesus responds with a clear picture of His lowly position in relation to the animals because He didn’t even have a place to lay His own head and didn’t have a permanent home. 

No matter your circumstances, whether you have a place of rest or not, take comfort in knowing that Jesus has been there, and desired rest just as much as you and I. He not only desired it, but prioritized it and asked others to do the same. 

How often are you taking time to prioritize rest?

Today’s verses speak loudly to the freedom we should feel in taking time to rest and encourage others around us to do the same. Join us tomorrow as we talk about the fact that Jesus took a nap!

Written by: Jenny Howell