This is a continuation of the narrative of I started in part 1.  You might want to read that first.

      The night had fully set in by now.  Darkness shrouded the landscape and a strong wind was beginning to blow in from the sea.  Perhaps the disciples were beginning to consider sleeping arrangements when Jesus surprised them once again.  “Tell you what, guys, why don’t you get in the boat and cross the lake for Galilee.  I’ll dismiss the crowd and catch up with you later.”

     What?! He had to be kidding.  The disciples were exhausted at the beginning of the day.  The day had been extremely demanding and they all felt they could sleep for solid week.  Not to mention the fact that in the midst of the miracle feast, the disciples-turned-waiters had barely had a chance to get a nibble.  They were hungry and tired – physically and spiritually.  And now they were supposed to pull an all-nighter struggling to row their boat against the wind for miles? But the look in Jesus’ eyes was unmistakable, so they got in the boat and set out.

     Of course, even though it was very late, the crowds were still feeling very excited.  Some were talking about Jesus as the Messiah, calling him “The Prophet.”  Some had thoughts of making him their king—forcefully if necessary.  For his part, Jesus calmed the crowd, bid them goodnight, and quietly slipped away.  He knew what they intended and wanted no part of it.  Besides, he had set out to pray many hours ago and now was the perfect opportunity.  He had let his prayer plans be delayed, but not destroyed. 

     So, Jesus went up into the surrounding mountains, found a quiet place and spent the rest of the night praying.  We don’t know what he prayed about.  I’m sure he had to talk to God about his Cousin John’s death, about the crowds and Herod, about the disciples, and about where to go from here.  I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a lot of worship happening during that prayer time and psalms quoted and sung. 

     Meanwhile, as the night dragged on, the disciples continued struggling to make headway against the contrary winds.  Their arms and legs screamed with pain as they continued rowing.  The fishermen among them were weak with hunger.  The less-seaworthy were green with nausea.  They all wished they were someplace else, preferably asleep.  I wonder if they thought about Jesus’ invitation hours ago – to come away with him alone, to rest, to eat.  The invitation was to get away from the swarming crowds.  Now, as they fought the wind and waves, I wonder if any of them thought about how it was the crowds who ultimately got to spend time with Jesus, who ate their fill, and who were, even now, resting peacefully.  The disciples, however, were still working, still hungry, and had left Jesus back on the shore.  By now, the confusion and frustration had really set in.  Hearts were hard.  There was likely anger and hurt – no doubt, some of it directed towards Jesus.  What the heck was going on anyways?