When Jesus Saw Them

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  Mark 6:34 (TNIV)

There may be those who contest the Deity of Jesus, but as we read how Jesus acted while here on earth, we may see a little of His Father shining through.  The expression in English is; “Like Father, like Son.”  In Spain the similar expression is; “The apple doesn´t fall far from the tree.”  In Jesus´ own words, “If you have seen me, you have also seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

Once again we have like a little window where we can see into the wonderful realm of our God and view with our own eyes how it is with Him.  In showing us the Father in this manner, Jesus has become our Way.  We look to Him, draw near to Him and strive to receive more of Him in order to return safely to our Father´s side where we belong.

The story tells us that Jesus and the Disciples were looking for a quiet place to get away and get some rest.  But as Jesus steps off the boat and sees so many lost sheep bleating out for a shepherd, His great heart just melted.  Instantly any thought of His own was replaced with concern for the eternal welfare of our poor souls.  His primary need was in caring for, healing and drawing close His little flock.

A mention here of what that flock was like, might also prove uplifting.  That congregation to whom his heart went out was not those who went about their comfortable routines and carried out their religious obligations.  The ones who´s demonstration of need for a shepherd, were those who had left their comfort zone.  These who truly were looking to find someone to take their hand and lead them, had gotten off their chairs and out of their routines to go out to look for Him.  They went to great lengths to make sure they were where He was.  They needed to find Him, and made sure that they did.

It was to this kind of seeker whom the Lord had compassion.  He knew who really wanted to be led.  He knew who truly sought the pleasure and will of God above and not their own.  All those who were happy with what they had, would never have left everything to search the wilderness until they found Him.  These ones really needed to be near Him.

We may find in this a great lesson for us.  Maybe our pursuit does not lead us over rock and along steep shorelines.  But certainly we will have to get off our comfortable pews and our off our confident standings and make an effort to search Him out and find Him deep within our souls.  No mediocrity will suffice.  We need to be sure that we want to go so far as to be part of His real flock.  We need to seek to be ones that His heart goes out to and is moved to compassion towards. Perhaps then we will actually take the right attitude and steps to place us where He is.

Dear Jesus, have compassion on us today.  Our only hope is that we may be found seeking You when You step off that boat.  Find in us, a lost flock in which Your heart may go out to.  Be moved by the genuine expression of our need to find You, so that You may take us in and guide and care for us.  We have recognized our need for a shepherd and that You are the One.  We leave our comfortable ways to seek you out and to find You here.  Please take us safely to Your side and lead us home to the Father we pray.

Amen