the e-Testament
Mark 6:30-34
The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.
So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves. Someone saw them going and the word got around. From the surrounding towns people went out on foot, running, and got there ahead of them. When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd. At the sight of them, his heart broke—like sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them.
Reflection
In the first part of this passage we are reminded that although we may feel that we cannot stop until we have reached everyone with the message of Jesus, taking a rest, whether it be to eat or sleep or to spend time alone with the Lord, is something we must do to continue on.
In the second half of the passage, we are shown that all who have not heard the message of Jesus are like sheep with no shepherd: scattered from the flock and lost in an unforgiving world. Only led by the Lord, the shepherd of us all, can we, the sheep, work together to one goal. However, unlike Jesus, who gets up begins again as soon as they arrive, we can’t just get back up without resting but if we rest and then go on teaching we will succeed in bringing His sheep back to the shepherd.
Emily Kenyon - Youth Worker
Prayer
Dear Lord,
We thank you for being the shepherd that unites the flock.
We pray that each one of us can go out and teach your message to the lost sheep and that with your guidance we are able to remember to rest and take time for ourselves as well as others.
Amen