Mark 6:53-56-- Busy Jesus

When they had crossed over they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. When they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, and ran about that whole country and began to carry here and there on their pallets those who were sick, to the place they heard He was. Wherever He entered villages, or cities, or countryside, they were laying the sick in the market places, and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were being cured.

This is the final summary statement of Jesus’ ministry in Mark.  The other ones were found in Mark 1:32-34 and Mark 3:7-12.  Jesus’ popularity was now huge in Galilee.  Crowds of people mobbed him, all bringing their sick or demonized for him to heal.  Many were bringing their sick on planks of wood (such as the young paralytic in chapter 2), so there were groups of people carrying the sick to wherever Jesus was.  Jesus traveled all over—not just ministering in towns, but also ministering to people as he traveled the countryside.  They would all plead with him to be healed, but if someone touched him and he didn’t know it (such as the woman in chapter 5), they were healed anyway.

I read this and all I can think of is this scene in Jesus Christ Superstar:

Jesus, so crazy busy, he doesn't have room to breathe.  He doesn't have any self to give anymore, but still they demand more.  He tried to rest with his disciples, and ended up with a multitude to serve.  Then he tried to get by himself, but had to save his disciples out of a storm.  Now, guess what?  He goes back into the fray. 

I've had days that felt like that.  I so desperately want a Sabbath, but there is no Sabbath in sight.  I wonder what Jesus did in those circumstances.