You're probably familiar with the story in Mark of Jesus feeding the 5,000 people from five loaves of bread and two fish. It's often talked about and seen as one of Jesus' miracles. This morning I was reading in Mark 6 and read this story, starting in verse 30. Here are a few random observations:
1.) After the disciples returned to Jesus from their travels, teachings, etc. he encouraged them to go "to a desolate place and rest a while." This is such a reminder of how we need to retreat to quiet places and spaces, and simply rest a while. (verse 31)
2.) While they were on the boat to a desolate place the people noticed them and recognized them. The people ran ahead and were waiting for them to arrive! This was an interruption to the disciples time of rest! What an eager crowd, to run ahead and wait on Jesus and the disciples. Did they have certain needs they wanted Jesus to help them with? Did they just want to be around the disciples and Jesus for the sake of having seen them? (verse 33)
3.) Jesus went ashore and saw a great crowd. He "had compassion on them, because they were like a sheep without a shepherd." I love this line, and I've never noticed it before! Jesus didn't get frustrated that his plans to retreat were being interrupted, but he saw the people as an opportunity. We just talked about this type of leadership in my LEAD class last night at church. How do we see the people around us...as interruptions or opportunities? (verse 34)
Just a few thoughts on the beginning of this beloved story. I'll be back sooner than this past time!
