Mark: Living the Way of Jesus in the WorldSample

First Thought

Sent out on a mission in 6:7-13, the disciples report back in 6:30. Jesus saw they needed food and rest and so He took them off in a boat, but by the time they landed, a large crowd had already gathered. Jesus taught them late into the day. It had been a long day and food was on the disciples’ minds. Time for people to head on out and find their evening meal was their view. Jesus begged to differ. You give them food, He told them. 5,000 hungry, leaderless men? It was a preposterous thought. This is the first of two feeding stories in Mark’s Gospel. It was an extraordinary, festive banquet. Jesus gets the disciples to organize the crowd, distribute food, and gather the leftovers. There are echoes of Elisha’s miracle in 2 Kings 4:42-44 except with a much bigger crowd and fewer loaves. It’s simply a miracle.

What Does the Bible Say?

How does today’s reading help you see Jesus’ compassion?

Living it Out

Jesus intended to take His disciples on retreat, but this was thwarted. What do you learn from this for your own context? 

Responding in Prayer

Compassionate God, I’m praying that you’ll respond to these needs (…). What needs are you inviting me to respond to in your name? Amen.