"During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people...'" Mark 8:1-2
Jesus felt deeply for people in need whether the need was physical or spiritual. This divine compassion was one of the driving motivations behind His ministry. "He called his disciples" so that He could reveal this compassion to them and thus to invite them to share it with Him. As they learned to follow Him in service it was imperative that they not only learn to imitate His actions but that they also learn to share His heart. Action without compassion is incomplete discipleship. We must learn and share Jesus' heart as well as imitate His actions.
Father, implant and grow in my heart the very same compassion that filled and motivated my Lord Jesus.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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Jesus repeats the feeding of another large crowd (about 4,000 men) with fish and loaves. This crowd had been with Jesus three days without eating. He starts with 7 loaves and a few fish and the disciples pick up 7 baskets of leftovers. Can you imagine listening for three days to a teacher without thought of food? Jesus’ compassion caused this miracle to take place. Afterwards Jesus sighed deeply when the Pharisees ask for a sign in the sky. It was a test and Jesus knew it. He told them they would not get a sign and then He left the area. While on the way, Jesus warns the disciples to watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod. They thought He was disappointed with them for not bringing bread, but He had reference to the evil and wrong teachings of these groups. In few words Jesus reminds them that bread is no problem. Remember the 5,000 and the 4,000 and how many baskets they picked up afterwards.
ReplyDeleteThen Jesus asked a penetrating question, “Do you still not understand?” When they arrive at Bethsaida, a blind was presented to Him for healing. Jesus chose to heal this man in stages although He certainly could have healed Him completely with one touch. Maybe Jesus wanted some people to move gradually through their healing. Maybe Jesus was encouraging His disciples who must have been doubting their ability to make sense of His true nature. Maybe this was just another installment in their learning with a message He would interpret later. We know from His question to them on the way that at least one of the disciples was beginning to get the answer. Peter said, “You are the Christ.” Jesus then shares with them an incomprehensible plan of His suffering, death and resurrection. At this, Peter responds poorly and Jesus has to rebuke him for not having in mind the things of God. Jesus teaches the crowd that following Him will cost them everything but they will gain everything also. Committing to follow Him is not a light thing; it is only in giving up all that we gain all.
Reflective Question ~ What good is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his/her own soul?
"Action without compassion is incomplete discipleship. We must learn and share Jesus' heart as well as imitate His actions."
ReplyDeleteWhat a great statement. I find I am motivated to action, usually by compassion. Just when I think I have Jesus' heart, the flesh wants to boast about my good work and tell everyone what a great heart I have! Yuck!
I'm noticing that Jesus often told people NOT to tell anyone about what he did for them. In the past I thought that was because His "time" had not yet come. But now I wonder if it's a model of service for me. Do things in His name, for His glory, and keep it to myself! I have a LONG way to go. Lord, please help me with this.