Did you ever consider the Feeding of the 5,000 from the disciples’ point of view? Jesus had sent them out on a mission trip (see Mark 6.7 – 13).

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. (Mark 6.30 – 32, ESV)

And they had done a lot:

So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. (Mark 6.12, 13, ESV)

So a retreat would be great! “A desolate place and rest.” Sounds great! Oops:

Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” (Mark 6.33 – 36, ESV)

Send them away, indeed! Where is our rest? Where is our quiet place? Forget it:

But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” (Mark 6.37, ESV)

So instead of rest, the disciples get to be:

• Ushers

For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. (Luke 9.14, 15, ESV)

• Waiters

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. (Mark 6.41, ESV)

• Busboys

And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. (Mark 6.43, ESV)

Now it’s back in the boat and go back to where we were.

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. (Mark 6.45, ESV)

Sometimes, maybe most of the time, ministry isn’t easy:

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. (2 Corinthians 1.8, ESV)