Did Jesus Ever Take A Holiday?

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I was travelling in Central Asia a while ago, and, after returning to the regular fold of things, I reflected on my journey and experiences. I reflected on how wonderful, amazing, awesome and truly memorable it was as I rummaged through photos and some of my journal entries. The scenery was breathtaking. The people we met were beautiful, sincere and truly friendly. I was blessed with being part of a marvellous team, sharing stories, laughing together and making prescious memories. It was awesome.

And yet, on reflection, if I were to single out one thing that made this trip super special, it would be not being needed for anything by anyone. I recognised that (for me at least, and probably for all people working with other human beings in some capacity) it is good to get away from being needed by others. Sometimes. For various reasons, I suppose. One being that we can easily fall into the trap of making others' need for us the defining part of our identity. Another being that it's not really a sustainable model of work/ministry.

Which led me to the question: Did Jesus (as the perfect human being and our perfect example) ever take a holiday?

I don't know if He did. At least, the Bible doesn't mention any trips to Greek Islands. And even when He did try to get away from it all, people just followed Him there anyway (Matthew 14:13-14). It seems a large crowd followed Jesus wherever He went... I can understand why. People needed Him for so many different reasons.

But He never took a holiday, as far as I can tell.

He did rest on the 7th day of creation, though (Genesis 2:2-3). He did institute the Sabbath Rest for us humans (Exodus 20:8-10; Mark 2:27). He did show us a sustainable pattern of quiet time with the Father (Matthew 14:23). He did invite His disciples -and us- to go to Him for rest (Mark 6:31) and promised to give us rest when we do go to Him (Matthew 11:28). God also promised Moses -and us- that His presence and rest will go with us (Exodus 33:14).

I take great comfort in that, because it means that, wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, I can rest in the Lord Jesus, and be content/refreshed. God's rest isn't only experienced in a far and distant land, on a sunny beach, at a small log cabin in the mountains, or next to a peaceful stream. That doesn't mean that we should never stop working or never go on vacation. What it does mean is that God's rest can and should be experienced every day, wherever we are, however busy we are; whether we're on holiday or at home.

I have found that very difficult, though. It sounds great in theory, but it is far more challenging in practice. I need to be disciplined and intentional about entering God's rest, letting go of the worries that distract me, making space to be quiet and pray, and to let others minister to me (occasionally...).

I hope it's easier for you, and that you don't have to travel halfway across the world to find out that Christ (and His rest) was and is with you all along.

Selah.

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