Like Sheep Without a Shepherd

Jesus and the disciples are ‘taking a break’. The disciples have just returned from their internship in the world, during which they experienced many things and performed miracles. They have a lot to tell each other and Jesus, but they also have just heard that John the Baptist was murdered. Many knew John personally, so they were filled with shock and sadness. They must have had many questions.

Jesus suggests that they go to a quiet place together for a while, away from all the hustle and bustle and the large groups of people who always followed them. So, Jesus and His disciples get into a boat and sail to a quiet place. Wonderful! They will finally be able to relax together. But, when they get out of the boat, people are already there. The people had heard where Jesus went and had followed. They literally came running from the villages looking for Jesus.

I can imagine the disciples were upset. Their team outing, their mini vacation was out the window! Maybe they were annoyed and would’ve preferred to send all those people away. Or maybe they could have just gotten back into the boat and had a nice quiet time on the lake, away from all the crowds. They needed some time for themselves.

But Jesus saw the crowd and felt splagchnizomai. He saw that they were “like sheep without a shepherd.” This is an image that often occurs in the Bible when it comes to people who are looking for direction, education, examples, or guidance. So, Jesus chooses not to send these people away, but gives them what they are looking for: He teaches and heals. He is the Good Shepherd in action.

Time to reflect.

Do you want to feel splagchnizomai? And is it okay for that to interfere with your plans? Is taking away some of your comfort and planning allowed when you see and feel what someone else needs?