The Compassion of Jesus

 

 

 Mark 6: 30-34

No Rest

³⁰ The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

³² So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. ³³ But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. ³⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Today, the Sabbath, our Sunday, a day of rest. Yet we have a picture of tired and hungry apostles besieged by needy people being taught by our compassionate Jesus, who catered to their needs because they were "like sheep without a shepherd." What a lesson for us! Yes, we need food and rest but some times we have to sacrifice these needs, push them out of the way for awhile, to take care of the needs of others. "Our time will come" eventually. Am I able to put my plans aside to take care of the needs of someone else? How will I use my time (God's time) today?

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, help me to be as compassionate as you and to sacrifice "my" time for the good of others. Amen.