Unlike Herod or the Pharisees, Jesus comes in as a new, revolutionary leader, from outside the normal avenues of power. He draws a crowd of 5000 men, who are committed and enthusiastic enough to seek him out in an out-of-the-way place and give their time. But instead of recruiting soldiers and running combat drills, he teaches them.  

Jesus has compassion for them. They look like strong, capable men, ready to give their lives to a cause and take back their homeland. But Jesus knows they are sheep without a shepherd. He knows their hearts: they are lost, because they have been without true leadership for so long.

They don’t know the ways of God, and they aren’t living for the kingdom. Sure, they know of his healings and casting out demons, and they want to be close to that power. They’re drawn to Jesus, but for the wrong reasons.

Do we sometimes approach Jesus like this? Do we come to him with our own expectations, our own desires, rather than expecting to be changed and shaped by him?

 

1. Read Mark 6:30-44. What might be some of the reasons the crowds are so enthusiastic about perusing Jesus?

 

2. In this passage Jesus is shown in contrast to Israel’s other leaders. What character flaws do we see in King Herod in Mark 6:14-29?

 

3. Why does Jesus first ask the disciples to provide for the crowd? What does this teach us about trusting in God, rather than ourselves?

 

4. Jesus teaches the disciples to find satisfaction in him, rather than in the world. What are some of the places and things you look to for satisfaction, rather than Jesus?