As strange as it may sound, it's true—Jesus took naps. Mark 4:38 says, “Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’”

Jesus was sound asleep in the boat during a massive storm, while His disciples were panicking around Him. Instead of reacting in fear, He rested. What does that tell us? Jesus trusted His Father. He knew that God had power over creation and that He would be taken care of.

Jesus was also likely exhausted from a long day of teaching large crowds. So, taking a nap wasn’t a sign of laziness—it was a part of His humanity.

And we can learn something more from this moment: after waking, Jesus rebuked the wind and waves, commanding them to be still—and they were. How amazing is that? Jesus has the power to calm even the fiercest storms.

So don’t feel guilty about needing rest now and then. If Jesus took naps, it’s okay for you to do the same. His sleep on the boat is a powerful reminder that we, too, can find rest in Christ—trusting that He will take care of us.

Image by Michal Mrozek via Unsplash.com