Rest Like Jesus – A Call to Sabbath
If you missed last Sunday’s message at Watsonville Church, or want to hear it again, you can watch it in the video embedded below! Pastor Mike Garcia from New Life Church in Salinas shared the second message in our “Like Jesus” sermon series, reminding us of the importance of rest and Sabbath in our walk with Christ.
Finding Rest in a Busy World
Life is busy. Between work, family, and countless responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But Jesus himself modeled a different way—one that includes intentional rest, renewal, and spiritual refreshment. At WatsNaz, a family-friendly church in Watsonville, we want to encourage you to find space for Sabbath rest just like Jesus did.
Pastor Mike reminded us how Jesus withdrew to rest and be alone with God. In Mark 4:35-39, we see Jesus sleeping in a boat while a storm rages around him. Even in the chaos, he took time to recharge. The question for us is: Are we making time to rest and trust God, or are we constantly running on empty?
The Sabbath Is a Gift
At Watsonville Church of the Nazarene, we believe that Sabbath is not about rules—it’s about relationship. Exodus 20:8 tells us to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” But the religious leaders in Jesus’ time turned this into a burden rather than a blessing. Jesus, however, reminded his followers that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28).
Sabbath isn’t just about doing nothing—it’s about refueling your spirit. It’s about stepping away from the busyness of life and trusting that God is in control. When we gather at our community church in Watsonville, we encourage one another to take time for worship, prayer, and connection with God.
Making Space for Rest in Our Lives
If Jesus needed rest, so do we. Whether you attend a Christian church in Watsonville, a Monterey Bay church, or are looking for a Bible-based church in Watsonville, we invite you to consider how you can embrace Sabbath as a regular rhythm in your life. Maybe it’s setting aside a Sunday for worship and family time. Maybe it’s stepping away from distractions to pray and reflect. However you choose to rest, remember that true rest is found in Jesus.
Join Us at WatsNaz
At Watsonville Church of the Nazarene, we are a faith community dedicated to helping people grow in their walk with Christ. If you’re looking for a spirit-filled church, we welcome you to join us for worship services at 10:00AM every Sunday. We desire to see heaven on earth in our community by living, loving, and resting like Jesus.
This week, take time to rest and refuel. Make space to slow down and connect with God. And if you’re searching for a family-focused church in Monterey Bay, come worship with us at WatsNaz—we’d love to see you!
See you Sunday!
Questions:
Why do you think rest is often overlooked or undervalued in our culture? How does Jesus’ example challenge our understanding of rest?
Pastor Mike mentioned that Jesus withdrew to rest, even in the middle of storms (Mark 4:35-39). What are some "storms" in your life that make it difficult to rest? How can you trust God in those moments?
Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). How can we view Sabbath rest as a gift rather than an obligation? What would it look like for you to receive this gift?
What practical steps can you take to incorporate a rhythm of rest into your weekly routine—physically, emotionally, and spiritually?
How does trusting God with our time and responsibilities free us to rest? Have you ever experienced God working things out when you finally took time to pause and recharge?