Misericordia| Compassion

“Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” – Mark 6:34

 

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Jesus Christ and the disciples needed to take some rest in a remote place after a very busy time of working and teaching. However, this was not possible since the crowds followed them and ran ahead to where they were going.

Despite needing rest, Jesus Christ still had compassion for the people and didn’t put His needs first. He continued to teach them and heal them from their illnesses.

The disciples were quite eager to send the crowds away. But Jesus didn’t send them away. By sending them away would have been like in James 2:16 - “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;” yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?”  Jesus couldn’t teach them and then just send them away without any food. Instead, He asked the disciples to bring whatever food they had.

What stand out here is that the disciples had to bring what they had. We must use what God has already given us, even if it is not the ideal number, place or something we imagine it should be. God will provide the rest.

Reflecting on this passage, I realized again that Jesus had days where there was not even time to eat. This comforts me in times when our schedules are also very packed and hectic.

What life-changing experience it must have been to be part of that crowd on that specific day!

 Reflection on Mark 6: 30 – 39 by Hanne Teach

(Listen to the Podcast here)