When Jesus’ Plans Got Changed: Seeing Interruptions as Opportunities
Have you ever had your plans interrupted by someone who needed your time, attention, or help? If you’re anything like me, your first reaction may not always be the most gracious. In Mark chapter 6, Jesus’ plans got changed, but instead of seeing the situation as an interruption, He saw it as an opportunity.
His response was a challenge to me! I really want to examine not only my actions, but the condition of my heart when these “opportunities” come along.
Key Takeaways
- In Mark 6:32-34, Jesus and His disciples were physically and emotionally exhausted.
- Although Jesus intended to rest, He responded to the waiting crowd with compassion instead of frustration.
- Jesus viewed interruptions as opportunities to minister.
- God calls us not only to do the right thing outwardly but to have hearts that genuinely love people.
- Our time on earth is limited. We need to take every opportunity we have to serve.
Seeing Something New in the Scriptures
I recently started the journey of handwriting the New Testament. Writing it out has caused me to slow down and really think about the Scriptures I am writing. The process has caused me to notice details I may have missed when reading the same story in the past.
I recently noticed something in Mark 6:32-34 that I had somehow read over countless times before. One of those details completely changed the way I think about interruptions.
Jesus was Tired Too
Scripture tells us that Jesus and His disciples had been ministering to so many people that they didn’t even have time to eat. They were exhausted. (Remember that Jesus was fully God but also fully man.)
So Jesus told them,
“Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.”
Mark 6:31
They climbed into the boat, hoping for a little peace and quiet, and wouldn’t you know it, the crowds noticed. Instead of respecting their need for rest, the people ran ahead on foot and arrived there before Jesus and His disciples did.
My First Reaction Wasn’t the Same as Jesus’
As I was writing that Scripture, I am ashamed to say, but the thought that popped into my head was:
“People can sure suck the life right out of you!”
After serving others day after day, I can only imagine how overwhelming it must have been to arrive and find another crowd waiting for them.
In general, we tend to get a little testy when we are hungry or tired – they were both. At that point, I think I probably would have been a little frustrated.
How would you have felt?
Jesus Responded with Compassion
Instead of irritation, the Scripture says:
One word in that verse got my attention: Compassion!
Jesus wasn’t just pretending to care. He genuinely cared for the people (and still does)!
He wasn’t just doing the right thing and secretly wishing everyone would leave; His heart was truly filled with compassion. That convicted me!
The Difference Between Our Actions and Our Hearts
If I had been there, I probably would have ministered also, and I would have even smiled while doing it. I would have done my best to serve and minister, but I’m not sure my heart would have matched my actions.
It’s a lot easier to show Christian kindness than it is to genuinely feel Christlike compassion. The Lord doesn’t just want our outward obedience; He wants our hearts as well.
A Prayer Worth Praying
I saw this the other day and thought it sounded like a great prayer:
“Lord, don’t just help me do what You would do. Help me love people the way You love.”
When you think about it, that is a pretty hard prayer to pray, but it might just be a prayer that changes our hearts.
Jesus Saw Opportunities, Not Interruptions
Jesus had a plan that didn’t involve the crowd. He planned to spend time resting with His disciples. However, He willingly changed His plans because people mattered more than His schedule.
Jesus never seemed to view needy people as interruptions. He viewed them as opportunities to teach, heal, love, and lead people to the Heavenly Father.
Jesus knew something we tend to forget; His earthly ministry would not last forever. In that light, every conversation, encounter, and opportunity mattered, because He understood that His time on earth was limited.
The truth of the matter is that so is ours. I feel like most of us live like we have unlimited tomorrows. However, the Bible reminds us that our days are numbered. And no one knows when the Lord will return for us?
I guess it would be wise to take this message to heart and take the opportunities to:
- Encourage someone
- Make the phone call
- Show kindness
- Share Christ
One verse that keeps coming to mind is:
Every interruption may actually be an opportunity God has placed in our path – a divine appointment that the Lord added to our calendar! When you think about it like that, they aren’t interruptions at all, they are plans with the Lord!
Helpful Resources
If you’re interested in slowing down and engaging more deeply with God’s Word, here are a few tools I’ve personally found helpful:
- 300 Page Journal with good paper
- Fine Point Pens that don’t bleed through
- She Reads Truth Bible
- Bible Tabs to go in the journals
The next time your carefully planned schedule is interrupted, pause before becoming frustrated. Ask God to help you see the person in front of you the way Jesus did. We may never know which conversation, act of kindness, or moment of compassion will have an eternal impact.
Our schedules are temporary, but the souls God places in our path are eternal. May we, like Jesus, recognize that every interruption could be one more opportunity to do good while we still have time.
Related Posts
Life Applications from the Book of Mark, Chapters 1-9
Bible Study Ideas
A Simple Plan to Read Through the Bible
Until next time,
disclosure: Amazon affiliate links are used on this page. Thank you for supporting Home with Grace and Joy. When you purchase an item, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure and privacy policy on the website.
“Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing.” Psalms 98:4
