Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 on biblegateway.com
Verse 53When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat.
Verse 54When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him,
Verse 55and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.
Verse 56And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Devotion
In today’s reading, Jesus is trying to get his disciples away to a deserted place to rest. Even there they get swarmed. I like Jesus’ response, as recorded in Mark’s gospel. Jesus doesn’t get angry, as many modern celebrities do when someone invades their privacy. Instead the text says, “He had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd ... ” These were people who had a great hunger for what Jesus had to offer. Jesus doesn’t turn away those who earnestly seek him.
We need to acknowledge that getting away to rest is still important. This is not a text that encourages us to become workaholics. Instead, it acknowledges that even Jesus’ plans sometimes had to be changed. The good news is that Jesus is responsive and caring to those who earnestly seek him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the good and compassionate shepherd. Thank you for coming to us in the midst of our desperate seeking. Stir up in all your people a desire and a zeal for your kingdom. Amen.