We’ve been looking at lessons from the Gospel of Mark and one thing we’ve noted is that in Mark things just keep happening and happening. The Gospel of Mark has Jesus on the move. Chapter six illustrates this so well. At the beginning of the chapter Jesus instructs the twelve disciples and then sends them out to preach (Mark 6:7-13). Then after pausing to cover the events of the death of John the Baptist (v 14-29), the disciples return excited over all they were able to do and teach. The reunion is cut short because so many people are coming to Jesus that he and the disciples don’t even have time to eat. Jesus then calls his disciples to come away to a quiet place so that they can have some time to themselves and rest.
Even these plans are interrupted when the crowd sees them trying to slip away and follow him and the disciples to a remote place. When they land the crowds are already there. Instead of being frustrated with them and angry, Mark says that Jesus had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd (v34). Jesus then teaches the people. Jesus does even more, at the end of the day even more tired and hungry than when he started the day (remember that was the reason for the get-away in the first place) he then feeds them. We know this part of the story as the “Feeding of the 5,000”. Jesus takes two fish and five loaves of bread and feeds the crowd. We now get a sense of just how many people were crowding in, 5,000 men (not counting women and children).
So, Jesus started out the day wanting some time with his disciples, needing to eat and get some rest. He ends up spending the day even busier, more tired, and hungry than when he started. He now tries again. He sends his disciples on ahead. I imagine hoping that in the dark his disciples can steal away, and he slips off to have some quiet time in prayer. We know what happens next, Mark 6:45-52, the boat is caught in a storm and the disciples fear for their lives. Jesus then comes to their rescue by walking on the water during the storm. You would think the story ends there with “They lived happily ever after.” But as the chapter ends, we see that wherever Jesus goes the demand for him is just growing.
I entitled the article “perseverance” for two reasons. Jesus showed great perseverance in seeking what he needed for himself and his disciples, some time away. The second reason is that the crowds showed even greater perseverance. When people are in need they grasp for answers and help. These people were like sheep needing a shepherd. Instead of being angry and frustrated we see Jesus having compassion, patience, and time for the crowds. What Jesus really persevered in was this. No matter the needs he continued to give of himself, ultimately to the point of giving his life for us.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by life and to think what is the use of trying, the needs and the needy will always be there. But with perseverance we can see past the moment to the goal. Jesus calls us to do, he calls us to ministry even if it is only to give a cup of cool water. The apostle Paul reminds – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10.
Don
Even these plans are interrupted when the crowd sees them trying to slip away and follow him and the disciples to a remote place. When they land the crowds are already there. Instead of being frustrated with them and angry, Mark says that Jesus had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd (v34). Jesus then teaches the people. Jesus does even more, at the end of the day even more tired and hungry than when he started the day (remember that was the reason for the get-away in the first place) he then feeds them. We know this part of the story as the “Feeding of the 5,000”. Jesus takes two fish and five loaves of bread and feeds the crowd. We now get a sense of just how many people were crowding in, 5,000 men (not counting women and children).
So, Jesus started out the day wanting some time with his disciples, needing to eat and get some rest. He ends up spending the day even busier, more tired, and hungry than when he started. He now tries again. He sends his disciples on ahead. I imagine hoping that in the dark his disciples can steal away, and he slips off to have some quiet time in prayer. We know what happens next, Mark 6:45-52, the boat is caught in a storm and the disciples fear for their lives. Jesus then comes to their rescue by walking on the water during the storm. You would think the story ends there with “They lived happily ever after.” But as the chapter ends, we see that wherever Jesus goes the demand for him is just growing.
I entitled the article “perseverance” for two reasons. Jesus showed great perseverance in seeking what he needed for himself and his disciples, some time away. The second reason is that the crowds showed even greater perseverance. When people are in need they grasp for answers and help. These people were like sheep needing a shepherd. Instead of being angry and frustrated we see Jesus having compassion, patience, and time for the crowds. What Jesus really persevered in was this. No matter the needs he continued to give of himself, ultimately to the point of giving his life for us.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by life and to think what is the use of trying, the needs and the needy will always be there. But with perseverance we can see past the moment to the goal. Jesus calls us to do, he calls us to ministry even if it is only to give a cup of cool water. The apostle Paul reminds – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10.
Don
RSS Feed
