Jesus’ Compassion

(Mark 6:30-44)

Mari Ikeda

A. We are like sheep without a shepherd (30-34)

30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

B. We think it’s impossible and unnecessary for us to do (35-37)

35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

C. Jesus uses us to bring His blessings to this world (38-44)

38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five―and two fish.” 39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Summary

Jesus’ compassion is deeper than our imagination. Even if we are going toward a wrong direction, Jesus never gives up on us, but only patiently tries to keep guiding us. Although we are weak and small, Jesus still sends us out to this world, uses us, and lets us taste the richness of God’s blessings.

For Discussion

1) What state is it to be “like sheep without a shepherd”?
2) How do you think Jesus is using you? (Ask others’ opinions, too.)