Mark
6:30-44 — “Retreat” is the key word for today.
Christ and the disciples together. Jesus takes His disciples to a lonely place
for rest and teaches the crowd that gathers. This lesson combines the
conclusion dealing with the sending out of the disciples and the introduction
to the feeding of the five thousand. The disciples return from their preaching
journey and are exhausted. People with needs throng around them so that they do
not get any rest. Jesus takes them in a boat to a secluded spot that they may
rest and be apart from the crowd.
But the people will not let them alone. When the boat
comes to shore, the people are waiting for them. Seeing the crowd, Jesus
expresses compassion for them because they are as sheep without a shepherd.
Before Jesus gives them physical bread, he gives them spiritual food by
teaching them. This is the only time Mark refers to the Twelve as “apostles.” It is an appropriate name;
for they had just returned from a preaching-healing mission. An apostle is one
who is sent forth by Christ.
Seeing the multitudes might have angered Jesus. He was
taking the disciples apart for a retreat so sorely needed. He could have become
impatient and told the people to scram. His reaction reveals His heart –
compassion. He felt sorry for them because they were in desperate need. He has
the heart of God, the God of love. Because of His compassion, Jesus cares about
people.
Even Jesus realized the need to get away from people
and work to rest and recuperate for later service. Modern life is often lives
under high tension and intense stress. There are the rush of work and the
hectic schedule of activities. Everyone needs a hideaway, a place to escape
periodically. Jesus prescribes a retreat for you…
Ø Solitariness –“Come away by yourselves.”
Ø Seclusion – “A Lonely Place.”
Ø Siesta – “Rest for a while”[2]
[1] The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright ©WELS used with permission
[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff, © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima OH
[3] Collect for Peace, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis
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