Little is Much When God is In It

July 20, 2014

Mark 6:30–44 [cf. Mt. 14:13–21; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–13]

Only two miracles of Christ are recorded in all four gospel accounts: His resurrection and the feeding of the 5,000, thus showing it’s significance. !

It’s been a busy and tiresome day in the life of Christ.

•In the first part of Mark 6 Jesus sent out the twelve out on a preaching mission (vs. 7-13).

• John the Baptist was beheaded and John’s disciples came to tell Jesus (Mt. 14:12).

• The Twelve return from their mission and report to Jesus the good things that happened (v. 30).

Everyone is tired. Jesus tells His disciples, “Let’s take a break” (vs. 31-33). God recognizes our need for rest—“He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Ps. 103:14). That is why He instituted the Sabbath.

So they go for a little vacation in a different location (v. 32). Jesus was planning a restful evening alone with His disciples. But look who came to dinner (vs. 33-34)?

One thing a person must give up in the ministry is the right to privacy (v. 33). Full-time ministry doesn’t keep “office hours.”

I. The COMPASSION of Jesus (v. 34).

Jude 1:22— And of some have compassion, making a difference:

A. Jesus SAW.

The key to compassion is in the word “SAW.” With everything going on, He still took time to notice the needs of the people. Jeremiah says, “Mine eye affecteth mine heart” (Lam. 3:51). WHAT DID HE SEE?

B. The people’s NEED. They needed a SHEPHERD. He is “moved with compassion… because they were as sheep not having a shepherd” (v. 34). ISAIAH 53:6— Shepherds lead and feed. That is what the multitude needed.

Jesus would be their Shepherd. Jesus wants to meet the needs of people who are hungry, hurting, helpless, or hell-bound.
Jesus was motivated by compassion for people seeking truth.

C. The Disciple’s answer.

The contrast between Jesus’ attitude toward the multitude and that of the disciples: Jesus welcomed them. But the disciples said, “Send them away.” We’re supposed to bring people to Jesus, not send them away.