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Reflection #5: Who Cares? Part One (Friday, March 23)

In our busyness we can often fail to see people as people who need the Lord.  In this scripture we can see how Jesus had a heart of compassion for the lost and learn how we too must cultivate a spirit of compassion and feed the hungry.


Mark 6:30–34 (NIV) — 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.


1. Read Mark 6:30-34.  Verses 30-31 connect back to vv. 7-12 and show how busy Jesus and the apostles were with people.  What does Jesus say the apostles needed (v. 31)?  Were they able to get this (vv. 32 ff.)?

2. How would you feel if a much-needed vacation was interrupted by the overwhelming needs of many people (v. 34)?  How did Jesus feel?  What is compassion?

3. What does it mean for people to be like “sheep without a shepherd” (v. 34)? How are people today like sheep without a shepherd? 

4. What action did Jesus’ compassion lead to (v. 34)?  What does this tell you about what he believed people most need?  What does this tell you about his motivation for telling people the good news?

5. Why do you want to be more involved in sharing the good news with others?  Is your motive more “self-centered” or “other-centered”? Do you have compassion for people?  How can you tell?  Where does compassion come from?

6. PRACTICAL APPLICATION:  Begin praying today that God will increase your compassion for those who do not know him.


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