John 6:3

After spending considerable time healing the masses, Jesus and his disciples climb a nearby mountain and sit down together. John 6:3 EFP

We all need some down time.  I am acquainted with the fact Jesus spent many hours in prayer. I can also surmise he spent many hours becoming versed in the Scriptures.  We are reminded in the previous verse he spent time healing the people in this new territory on the “far side of the sea.”  Let’s not forget his sermons, or the time he spends constantly defending his ministry and credentials as the Son of God.  That’s a pretty full docket for anyone.

But even the Son of God relishes the time he spends with his friends, whether in his hometown, in a boat crossing the sea, or even on the side of a hill after a long day.  Down time.  Some of us are better at this concept than others, but God does not only give us a Sabbath to enjoy and the night to sleep; He also gives us an example of the importance of getting away to relax and spend “down time” with friends.  I would have given anything to be there to hear what they talked about.  I have to believe it was not serious all the time.  Can it be they laughed at humorous incidents that had taken place that day?  Did they reminisce about simpler days on the banks of the River Jordan?  Did they just lay back and soak in the Palestinian sunshine?  I hope so.  Someday I look forward to doing just that with my best friend Jesus in heaven…soon I hope.