10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.
Jesus fed 5,000 from verses 10 through 17 after the return of the Twelve on their first mission. This event was the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. Its purpose was to build faith in the disciples.
9:10
And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
The apostles returned from their mission and reported to Jesus. The Lord suggested they go for a retreat in a deserted place called Bethsaida. The return of the apostles was the occasion for Jesus’ suggestion that they withdraw for a period of physical recovery. Christ’s team went there for a period of relaxation.
Bethsaida was a small village near Capernaum and the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (Jn 1:44). This town was not part of Herod’s territory.
9:11
But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.
The multitudes found where Jesus and His apostles went and followed them to where they were. Jesus received them and taught them about the “kingdom of God.” He also had a healing ministry there.
PRINCIPLE:
A time for recovery can become an opportunity to minister.
APPLICATION:
Jesus and His apostles used a time of physical recovery to share the gospel. They were not provoked by the interruption of their period of relaxation but “welcomed” the crowd and met their need. Believers should look for opportunities to do evangelism in unexpected places. There are times when we should sacrifice rest if an opportunity to share Christ presents itself.
