Mark 6:30-44
Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.
Read Mark 6:30-44 remembering that it comes on the heels of two significant events: the sending of the disciples to spread the Good News, and the execution of John the Baptist.
What a swirl of emotions must be racing around Jesus in this story. The disciples are back from their mission and are amazed and elated by what they have experienced. They are eager to share with their leader and he is eager to listen. On the other hand, Jesus’ cousin has just lost his earthly life at the hand of a foolish and unjust authority figure. Jesus longs to be alone with his closest followers to grieve his cousin and revel in his disciple’s excitement, but the crowds won’t give up.
When he steps out of the boat in what should have been a quiet place, his first reaction to the crowds is not annoyance but compassion. He looks beyond his own needs and discomfort and sees the condition of the people – they are lost, like sheep without a shepherd. The Good Shepherd cannot turn away from them, and he gives them the guidance they seek.
Read Mark 6:30-44 again, this time focusing in on the miracle.
The disciples have just returned from a mission in which they experienced the power of God working through them, but when Jesus challenges them to solve the dilemma of too little food and too many people, they revert to scarcity mode. Jesus is teaching them an important lesson about the kingdom of God when he begins to break the bread and fish into pieces. In Jesus, who embodies the kingdom, there is no scarcity. There is enough emotional energy to show compassion, there is enough physical energy to be a leader, and there is enough spiritual energy to trust God for provision even on a grand scale. When God calls, God provides.
Are you feeling depleted in an area of your life lately? If so, share this with Jesus. If not, thank Jesus for this period of rest and satisfaction.
How do you react when someone in need of something interrupts your plans? If you knew God had placed that person in your path, how would you react differently?
Take a few moments to consider whether you generally have a mindset of plenty or of scarcity. Share honestly with Jesus about this, and then listen to see if he is challenging you to step out in faith in a particular area of your life or a particular situation. If he is, make a plan for taking a step in that direction.
End your time by thanking Jesus for what he already has done for you.
If these meditations are helpful to you, please forward them to couple of friends.
Interested in going deeper? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide and blog.
