READING: Numbers 17-19, Mark 6:30-56
“. . . he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.”
Mark 6:34
I have been a follower of Christ for more than 40 years, but I feel like I’m just beginning this journey. I read today’s text in Mark’s Gospel, and I realize I have so far to go to be like Jesus. I have so much still to learn.
Jesus had compassion on the crowds because “they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). He saw them wandering, walking, working, but having no direction. The Messiah was in their midst, but they would eventually turn on Him. He knew that many of them would receive His miracles without following Him – and still He loved them. The crowds were neither an intrusion nor a problem to Him; they were a mission field.
Jesus fed those crowds, bid them good-bye, and then “went up on the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46). At a time when the people wanted Jesus to be their king, He instead sent His disciples away and then spent time in prayer. He allowed nothing He did in ministry to distract Him from His needed time with the Father. He prioritized that time, in fact.
I, on the other hand, drive and walk past so many people each day without wondering about their spiritual condition. My neighbors. The convenience store clerks. The restaurant server. The kids walking to school. The other drivers. I’m sure I could list more if I actually gave more attention to this issue. Instead, I’m an introvert who frankly would rather avoid the crowds than invite them to a meal like Jesus did.
And, I too seldom give sufficient priority to my time with the Father. I’m guilty of doing ministry first and then praying during any “leftover” time. I do indeed have a long way to go to be like Jesus. How about you?
ACTION STEPS:
- Evaluate your own life in light of Jesus’ compassion and prayer. Repent as needed.
- Today, make a commitment to see others as sheep without a shepherd. See them with God’s eyes.
PRAYER: “Father, make me compassionate, and make me long to be with You.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Numbers 20-22, Mark 7:1-13