Mark 6:34
Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:34 (NLT)
When my children were growing up, it was customary for the children to stay in the pews while parents went to the altar for communion. One Sunday after we returned from communing, our youngest son said to his older brother, “I wonder what they are giving away up there.” (Shortly after that incident, the practice changed so that children came forward for a blessing as their parents received communion.)
This scripture from Mark prompted me to remember that incident as I thought about the crowds seeking to find Jesus. Jesus and His disciples were going throughout the countryside teaching and healing wherever they went. Word had quickly spread and people came in great numbers. They might well have had the motivating thought of “I wonder what they are giving away up there? Is there anything for me?” Some people came out of curiosity and others came with great needs anticipating answers and possible healing from illness. Whatever the reason people came to Jesus isn’t really necessary to understand, the important fact is that they came. Mark states that Jesus sees them as sheep without a shepherd. Jesus had compassion on them as he knew how helpless and vulnerable they were. Even though Jesus had planned this to be a time of rest from the work He and His disciples had been doing, seeing the crowd awaiting and knowing their many needs, He began to teach them.
We aren’t so much different from those crowds of old, as we are just as helpless and vulnerable without Jesus. We have just gone through the season of Lent and celebrated Easter - Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Even though you may have heard that story many times before, the love Jesus has for each of us never ceases to amaze me! His compassion is ever present to those of us that come to Him in our need. Jesus wants to be the shepherd of your life. Even when you feel lost and alone, Jesus has promised to never leave or forsake you. Knowing that Jesus cares for me gives me hope and encourages me as I face the future.
Questions for Reflection:
- What motivates you to come to Jesus? Curiosity, Healing, Salvation?
- Whatever the reason you seek Him, is it time to accept Jesus as the shepherd of your life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I come to You a simple sheep seeking You as my shepherd. Thank you for being patient with me when I have wandered from the path You have set for me. Bring me into Your care today and for all eternity. Amen.
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