FEEDING SHEEP THAT HAVE NO SHEPHERD
Mark 6:30-44
For several weeks we’ve been considering the implications of what it means to be a faithful follower of Jesus–a disciple.
This morning we want to consider the implications of the feeding of the 5,000 from the perspective of Jesus’ followers, as recorded in Mark 6.
By the time Mark wrote, the gospel had extended to the Gentile world.
Those who heard about Jesus want to know more about Him.
Mark tells us about Jesus in a popular style that forces us to make a choice.
Key question: 15:12 “What shall I do to Him?” –the one you call the King of the Jews?”
Which side are WE going to join?
The rejection of Jesus forces us to make a choice! You can’t stay neutral about Jesus!
We’re forced to answer the question: What will WE do with Him?
Will we identify with Jesus?
Or, will we reject Him?
Neither side offers an easy solution!
If we identify with Jesus, we will pay a price.
If we reject Him and join opposition, judgment is coming.
Mark urges us to choose Jesus–to follow Him–but he warns us that those who follow Him will face persecution.
Message centers on Jesus–His words and works demonstrate He is Messiah.
His presence didn’t bring repentance; it brought opposition.
40% is devoted to events related to His death.
Half the rest describes the opposition This is WAR!!!
Readers are forced to make a choice:
Trust Jesus
Or, turn against Him, as others did.
PRESENTATION OF THE SON OF GOD 1:1-13
INTRODUCTION OF GOOD NEWS 1:1
Mark announces the good news concerning Jesus, the Messiah!
Key issue in controversy: Jews never understood that Jesus is God’s Son.
PREPARATION FOR MESSIAH’S COMING 1:2-8
As Isaiah foretold, John prepares way for Jesus-the One coming is Yahweh! (Is. 40:3)
Message focuses on need to repent, so God could fulfill promise to bless.
Blessing would come through Messiah’s arrival.
AUTHENTICATION OF MESSIAH’S PERSON 1:9-11
When John baptized Jesus, He was confirmed by the Spirit’s descent and the Father’s voice.
TEMPTATION BY MESSIAH’S ENEMY 1:12-13
He went into the wilderness, where Satan tempted Him for forty days.
REVELATION CONCERNING THE SON OF GOD 1:14-13:37
Description of Jesus’ Ministry (Majority of book!) Geographical:
Ministry in Galilee 1:14-8:26 On road to Jerusalem 8:27-10:52 In Jerusalem 11-13
Each phase reveals the extent of the rejection.
Jesus demonstrates He is Messiah but Israel rejects Him
Mark forces readers to choose one side or the other.You can’t stay neutral about Jesus!
MINISTRY IN GALILEE 1:14-8:26 I’ve invited a friend tell you what happened:
Proclamation of the kingdom 1:14-15
When John was locked up, Jesus began His public ministry.
He begins by announcing good news: the kingdom is coming!
God’s people must prepare by believing the message and turning back to God.
Participation in ministry 1:16-20
Jesus chooses followers to accompany Him and to participate in His ministry.
Demonstration of authority 1:21-2:28
Jesus demonstrates His authority by His words and His works.
People are amazed–“they praise God saying: We’ve never seen anything like this!” => 2:12b
Response of the people 3-8:26
Evidence of Jesus’ authority forces crowd to respond.
Leaders don’t wait long to demonstrate rejection.
Trap set 3:1-5 –Man with shriveled hand in synagogue–they want to get Jesus
Alternatives modeled 3:6-19 –crowds follow –evil spirits kneel before Him –teachers attribute signs to Beelzebub, prince of demons!
Choices made 3:20-6:29–you have to make a choice!–couldn’t stay neutral!–John loses head!
TWELVE TAUGHT 6:30-52
As opposition grows, Jesus tries to prepare His followers for what’s going to happen.
FEEDING OF THE 5000 6:30-44
6:7-13 Jesus sends out The 12 by twos, to teach and preach repentance in the villages.
We drove out many demons and healed many sick people–I’d never seen anything like it!.
After returning from the villages, we were tired; no chance to rest. 30
Jesus took us off to an isolated place. 31-32
The people, guessing where we were headed, went ahead of us by land, and were waiting for us when we arrived. 33
Jesus felt compassion for the multitude, so He used the opportunity to teach them (and us) a few things 34
Feeding 5000 men, & others, from 5 loaves and 2 fishes, Jesus taught us that as Messiah, and as Lord, He can provide all our needs. 35-41
It was amazing!
From those five little loaves and two fishes, he fed 5,000 men and all the women and children that were with them!
They were TOTALLY SATISFIED! 42
But that’s not all!
When everyone was done eating, our Lord said, “Don’t waste what’s left!
Go gather up the left overs!”
You know what? 43-44
There were twelve baskets left over–more than we started with!
I’d never seen anything like it!
Only one conclusion you can draw from that:
Jesus IS the Bread of Life–He is able to supply ALL we need!
Jesus is able to totally satisfy our hunger!
He is Messiah–He can provide all we need.
Not only can He satisfy our physical needs–He can meet our deepest desires and dreams!
Five thousand, fifty thousand, or five million, it doesn’t matter!
He’s able to provide the bread of life, and satisfy ALL our needs!
Jesus taught us two lessons I’ll never forget that day.
I’ll never forget the look of compassion in His eyes for the multitudes searching for something–searching for the real thing.
Jesus has compassion for the multitudes that have no shepherd!
He knew that He had come to give it to them–He had to pass it on!
I’ll never forget His words: “YOU give them something to eat!”
Jesus commissioned US to feed people who need the Bread of Life!
We were awfully slow learners but it was starting to sink in!
It was one thing to trust Him and receive His gift of life for ourselves!
It was another to follow Him.
If we were going to follow HIM, we had to have compassion for multitudes too!
We would have to be ready to feed the multitudes who were seeking Him.
Have YOU decided to follow Jesus?
Do you want to get serious about becoming a faithful and fruitful follower of Jesus/
–Not just a believer in Him!
–Not just convinced about Jesus!
–But committed to FOLLOW Him!
Do YOU care about the multitudes of hungry people who are looking for something that satisfies their hunger–the bread of life?
Are you ready to share the bread of life with the multitudes?
How about with OUR NEIGHBOR?