Mark 6:53-56

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the market-places and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

For days, it seems, Yeshu was still unable to take his disciples away for rest by themselves. Instead the news of his presence spread like lightning.

See! such great numbers of needy people! And out of compassion Yeshu granted the requests of all who asked.

(Was it their faith in Yeshu as the loving Saviour? or, for some, was it merely a desire they had for help? In the hope of healing many people will place their forehead against a cold stone, throw a coin into a box, or touch the hem of a garment. But a grateful response to Yeshu himself, that is what he desires from us.)

Mark 6:45-52

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up into the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boar with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.  

Would the disciple never learn? If Yeshu had just fed 5000, could he not do anything? would he not care for them? and could he not come to their help? How sad that their awareness was dulled, and their stony hearts were unable to recognize that it was he!

But on shore there were needy people with hearts ready to believe. They were waiting for him.

 

Mark 6:35-44

And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy  two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, ” How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said. “Five, and two fish.” Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Were the disciples tired. (“It is late,” they said.  So, “Let them go and buy.” And, “It would cost,” they said, “two hundred days’ wages to fetch bread.”) Yes, surrounded by the crowd all day, instead of having a quiet rest, they were tired.

Yes, and surely Yeshu also was tired. But when he called them to do a deed of compassion, he gave both strength to obey, and the miraculous means to do it.

Out of love Yeshu taught the people, and out of love he fed them. And by this miracle he teaches modern disciples also to trust in his power to help.