A character test

He said to them, ‘Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest a while’. So they started out in a boat by themselves for a lonely place.

Many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were; so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples. When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things.  (verses 31-34)

Read Mark 6:30-46

You’ve worked  hard;  you’re  tired;  it’s  been  people, people, people, go, go, go. You must have a break! So you make your plans to get away, get some solitude, have time for yourself. But on the point of that happening your plans are cut short. What happens? You blow your lid! You are frustrated, angry. Those responsible for cutting short your plans are given a nasty serve. Our true nature can be unexpectedly revealed in this kind of situation.

Jesus and his disciples had worked flat out. They were tired, hassled. They needed a break, some quiet time, some solitude. When they thought they had it they were cut off. The crowds beat them to their place of rest. The lid came off Jesus too. His true nature showed up. When he saw these people who had frustrated his time off, ‘his heart was filled with pity for them ‘. They were ‘like sheep without a shepherd’. This test of Jesus’ real character shows what a good, compassionate shepherd he is for us too.

Good shepherd, still today crowds are seeking your guidance; help me to lead them to you. Thank you for Your kind care of me. Amen.

by Ray Schulz, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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