Lent 2026 Day 28: Sat 21 Mar
Mark 6:30-34
30 Meanwhile, the apostles gathered around Jesus and brought Him news of all they had done and taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they went away in a boat by themselves to a solitary place. 33 But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them.
34 When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
John’s story has now been concluded, and we would like to read now about the outcomes of the mission the disciples had undertaken. However, Jesus wants to go to a quiet place where they could rest.
No chance. The crowds are upon him again. They followed on foot as Jesus and the disciples made their way across the lake only to find that the sought-after solitary place was not so solitary after all. Crowds were already there to meet him at the water’s edge. I expect we’ve all been there – you were hoping for some quiet time and people just took it away. Sometimes the disciples tried to manage Jesus’ appointments by discouraging people from approaching or even attempting to send them away.
We may have been guilty ourselves of seeking Jesus’ immediate attention or demanding that he do what we want him to do.
Even under the pressure of relentless exposure Jesus still sees this current crowd as sheep without a shepherd. He had compassion on them. He stopped on the shore and taught them about the kingdom of heaven. There’s no mention of unclean spirits or sickness (most of them had run to this place, so probably only the fit had made it here!), only teaching.
What did Jesus say to the crowd? Was it like Sunday School? I don’t think so. Jesus would not spend his time going over stuff that other rabbis might teach. Jesus came as new wine, with fresh insights on old teachings and completely new Kingdom principles. The synagogues would stick to the Law and the Prophets, but Jesus would eventually reveal himself as the fulfilment of both, opening a new way to Father God.
Is there someone who demands more than their fair share of your attention?
How far does your compassion stretch?
What does Jesus want of you?
Father God, I confess that there are people I might try to avoid because they take up more of my time, compassion or patience than I feel willing or able to give. Forgive my unwillingness, increase my ability and bless those relationships. Amen.
General Synod of the Church of Sheep
When the sheep lose the shepherd
Paul