Jesus shows compassion Mark 6:30-34,53-56

Gospel reading for Sunday 22nd July Mark 6:30-34,53-56

We have this week been presented with carefully selected verses by our lectionary editors. We should however note the complex surrounds and connections to the selection. They follow on directly from the gruesome story of the beheading of John the Baptist. The reading also comes immediately after the commissioning of the twelve disciples to go out, and is to some extent a reporting back on that. Interspersed with this amongst the verses skipped over, is the feeding of the 5000 and the walking on water incident - probably both not included here because they feature in the lectionary year of Matthew's Gospel.

So let's focus on the reading as it has been given to us. It is amazing how many profound threads of thinking can arise out of these few verses. Here are just a few ...

Jesus recognizes and reinforces the need for quietness and solitary (peaceful) surroundings.

Jesus shows compassion. But why? "Because they were like sheep without a shepherd." (v34). Perhaps that rural imagery is a little lost on us today ... maybe they were like a school without a Principal; a congregation without a Pastor; a footy team without a Coach; a retail store without a manager ... or a people without direction and purpose?

How does Jesus respond? " ... He began teaching them many things."

As a new semester gets under way, that's probably enough to remind us what we are about in Lutheran Schools, where amongst the crowds in our communities, there will invariably be some 'sheep without a shepherd'.

Blessings to all as we continue the task of showing people Jesus!

Nev