Shepherd for the people

From today's reading: As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34

In today's lesson, the disciples have just returned from having been sent out two by two and they have told Jesus about their experiences. He tries to take them away to a quiet place, but the crowd sees them go and follows them around the sea. It says here, they were like sheep without a shepherd. They are seeking something - they probably don't even know what they are seeking. Ultimately we are all seeking God; that which completes us and draws us back to the source of life.

These people have seen in Jesus something that fires the imagination. They have seen his signs - the healings that fill them with hope and the words that inspire and quicken the senses. This Jesus is someone who has power and authority. He makes a difference in their existence - heals their illnesses, drives out their demons, fills their hungry stomachs, and gives them reason to hope for a better future, a better life. He doesn't just talk about God, but he talks about a holy God who is like a father, willing to forgive them. He demonstrates the love of that God by addressing their needs. Jesus is that shepherd who takes care of his sheep - who can be trusted - who will lead them to safe pastures.

Much of today's world is like those sheep - looking for a shepherd who will lead them to green pastures and take care of them. Jesus can be trusted to guide us without forcing us, but by calling our name and leading us on out of the mire and muck of our daily grind. Place your life in his hands and he will bring you to that heavenly place where we will dwell in God as part of the fabric of that never ending life.