Gospel July 19

Proper 11

Mark 6:30-34,53-56

"... and he had compassion upon them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things." Mark 6:30

The short break in the action to deal with the death of John the Baptist allows for the passage of time and the mission of the Twelve (the apostles - only used here and in 3:14) to be completed. It may have only been a short ministry operation or may have extended to many weeks. There are no time clues in the narrative, but it is clear that the work has taken its toll. After reporting 'all they had done and taught' (6:30) Jesus invites them to take a break.

What we want to do and what we are able to do often fail to meet. Here it seems that Jesus took the disciples to a secluded spot a little way around the shore. Recognizing his possible destination enabled some of the people get there ahead of them. The observant spectators and Jesus' popularity resulted in a crowd awaiting them in their 'secluded' spot. By the time Jesus arrived with the Twelve the secluded spot had become a crowded amphitheatre.

Tired from the demands of ministry the disciples would have enjoyed some respite. Jesus, fully human yet fully divine, may have enjoyed a break as well. As Jesus looked out on the people his heart went out to them. They were desperate to see him, desperate to hear him, desperate to touch him, desperate for the hope that he offered. Jesus responded to what he saw and sensed in them - and we note that the first thing he did was teach them.

When the teaching was done we learn of a hungry crowd, fed miraculously with the few crumbs the crowd was able to bring to Jesus.

Next day Jesus and his disciples went over to Gennesaret. Here again the people flocked to Jesus bringing their sick for healing, and striving just to touch him.

These two brief reports reveal some important aspects of Jesus' ministry.
We note that Jesus compassionate response was first to teach (6:30). Most would respond firstly to the immediate physical needs, and only later move to education. They were like 'sheep without a shepherd'. Someone needed to show them the way.
Secondly, Jesus power to heal had a powerful magnetism. Where others were unable to help Jesus could bring wholeness. His name became synonymous with healing and miracles in that region. 'Wherever he went' they came to him and were healed. So when did Jesus rest? His powers may have been divine and his abilities beyond imagining, but he also needed rest. The Gospel of Mark does not say so, but his narrative leaves space. It is not a litany of day-to-day activities. It is a gospel - a 'good news' story about Jesus written for a purpose. There are gaps in the narrative for rest. With cues that account for the days there is space for retreat and for rest.

When the clock dominates, targets are to be met, goals attained and outcomes achieved it is easy to forget that each of us needs rest. Space to reflect, recuperate, and renew is as important as time spent responding to the incessant needs of the crowd, or the administrative of organizations.
Jesus was fully human and fully divine. He recognized our need for rest. We, who are fully human yet with a spark of the divine, must take the time to rest.


Other readings for this week

* 2 Sam 7:1-14a
* Ephesians 2:11-22