TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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. Mark 6:34
Read: Mark 6:31-44
Listen: Mark 6
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Every good outdoor meal needs a host, and Jesus plays the role of host in this story. Imagine the scene. Jesus and his disciples take a boat across the lake to get away from the hoard of people. As they pull up to the shore, the swell of people is already there. It quickly turns from R&R to a severe situation.
And yet, Mark tells us that “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34a). Jesus saw they were unknown and unloved. He knew that spiritually they were wandering aimlessly and vulnerable. Needing truth and healing, he began teaching and healing.
It is easy to feel unknown and unloved today. Everything can seem so stressful. We are bombarded with everything from bad news on TV to people’s perfectly manicured lives on social media. We move from relationship to relationship, looking for people to fulfill us. We jump from job to job thinking the next challenge will give us a place of belonging. We may feel completely alone and wonder if that feeling will ever go away.
Often at these times, we turn to Jesus asking for what we want. The better question might be to ask what we need from Jesus. Jesus knew the crowd needed truth and healing, so he gave it to them. He offers the same to us. He desires to lead, shepherd, give us truth and heal us. He offers us the truth of an identity grounded in his love for us, truth worth building a life on, and something that can provide a sense of healing in the midst of brokenness. God loves you—and God wants you.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Commit to God where you feel unknown and unloved. Ask him to give you what you need and thank him for having compassion on you and loving you. If you would like to talk to someone about this, send an email to btw@adabible.org. We can put you in contact with someone to help.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
