Taught MANY Things

I’ve been stuck for a few weeks in the feeding of the 5,000 men and especially in Mark 6:33-36:

But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 35 When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. 36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.”

1. The multitudes had been previously impacted by the life and teachings of Jesus and sought Him out for more. This sorta reminds me of church – of SSB.  Why do people come back Sunday after Sunday?  My take is that they have been previously exposed and touched by Jesus and His Word and desire more.  Something in past days impacted them and they gathered to Him again – much like we do at SSB.
2. Jesus saw them and was moved with compassion.  What a great truth – He was moved!  I’m so glad that he sees me and knows me and is moved because of me.  He is a personal God – YEAH!

When I see you, those who gather at SSB on a Sunday or at other times, I am moved with concern, love and joy.  I trust that the same holds true for you.

3. Jesus saw the people as sheep; not as cats, coyotes, snakes or cactus.  Jesus saw sheep – needy sheep.  Sheep are a threat to just about nothing except some grass.  Do we see the people around us as in great need of a Shepherd?  Do we see those who live in large houses, who drive Teslas and live on acreages as being in great need?  What about those who take our money like our doctor or those who entertain us in a concert as being needy?  Do we see people as Jesus does?  Are we moved with care as they are in desperate ways and in need of Jesus even though they may not realize such.
4. Jesus saw the peoples in need of a Shepherd and He alone is the Shepherd needed.  A Shepherd knows each sheep, gives direction and protection, provides feed and water and carries the weak and the young.  A true sheep is submissive to the will and ways of the Shepherd!  A sheep needs a Shepherd – they need Jesus all hours of every day!  Is that your mindset??
5. Jesus was moved and began teaching them. He didn’t give them free health care, free college tuition, free food, free housing or free – NO – He taught them!  He taught them MANY things!  This has grabbed me.  He taught MANY things like the holiness and wrath of God, the eternity of Hell or Heaven, that marriage is one man and one woman bound until death by none other than God Himself, that all need to repent and submit, that life is about pleasing God and serving others and that all will be judged by God giving each an eternal life somewhere.  He taught them MANY things!  He taught the whole counsel of God with clarity and passion!
6. And the day was far spent – dusk was setting in!  They sure seemed focused even though the  clock registered “late” (it is 11:30 – oh, my!).  It seems that they were hungry for His Word and eager to hear and learn in order to obey.  Forget the clock and supper – there was something much more important!
7. Jesus was violating people’s schedules: He was indifferent to other things needing to happen!  The twelve to the rescue!  “Jesus, you must stop! These dear people are going to perish of starvation.”  For the 12, social concerns trumped His authority and the place of sound teaching.  WOW!  2023 and the United States and somewhat SSB!

Mark 6:52, For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.

OUCH!  And you and I?  Do we get it?  Are we more given to the hour and the table than the Word?  Are we interested, even passionate, for the MANY things Jesus taught?