November 14th

Mark 6: 30-44. The story about Jesus feeding the five-thousand appears in all four gospels. In three of them it is also preceded by an account of the death of John the Baptist. Here in Mark (and in Luke), there is also the note that the disciples had just returned from their mission to tell Jesus all the things they had done and witnessed. But also on Jesus' mind is the death of John. Matthew lets us know that Jesus, on hearing the gruesome story of John's beheading, left with the disciples to get away to the desert. So, while it may be that Jesus wanted to reward his disciples for their work by giving them some needed rest and alone time, it seems to me that he also needed to get away to grieve the loss of his friend. This is something I really appreciate in a messiah! For him to carry on without a hiccup after such a loss would have taken him down several pegs on my messiah pole.

But there is no getting away just yet! The people, a large crowd, have followed Jesus on foot. Jesus and the disciples (more reluctantly) will get their rest later. I would do well to remember this story more often when I am tired and wanting only a refreshing beverage and my recliner! RS