What Jesus Did! 'Into the Hills' — John 6:3-4

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.)
— John 6:3-4 NLT

Key Thought

If God's people live with a proper sense of urgency and passion before the lost world, they are going to grow weary. They will grow weary physically. They will grow weary spiritually. They will grow weary of all the demands placed upon them. Jesus frequently got away from the crowds, or at least tried to get away from them for a time, and he spent that time with his disciples. Some of that time was for rest. Some of that time was for teaching. Some of that time was for prayer. We must realize that we all need some "into the hills" time where we can be in Jesus' presence, learn from him, rest in his grace, and speak with him without being in a hurry and without the urgency of pressing demands. How are you doing with your "into the hills" time? A short devotional by email or online fits our harried lifestyles and can sustain us for a time, but we all have to have some prolonged "into the hills" time. Set aside some time each day to be in the Father's presence and go "into the hills" with Jesus!

Today's Prayer

O my, dear Father, I often lose track of how busy I let myself get. It seems that I try to cram my time with you into the few quiet moments I can find. Please open up some time for me in my schedule to spend some unhurried and concentrated time with you. Tug my heart so that I yearn for that time. Give me the conviction not to let other things deter or distract me. I confess that I cannot make it without your presence and power in my life. Draw me close, O Lord. In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 4:23-5:1
  • Mark 6:30-32
  • Luke 5:13-16

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Illustration

Illustration of John 6:3-4 NLT — Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.)

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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