By the blood of Jesus the Shepherd

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 Mark’s Gospel, by Mark 6, Jesus was becoming so well known that he couldn’t go anywhere without being mobbed by people. Kinda like Bono (a little secret; I really want to meet Bono). And remember Jesus was a wonderful healer and teacher. Bono never healed anyone but he does sing the heck out of ‘Beautiful Day’. And he gets out of this boat after he and the disciples try to get away by themselves for a while and there the people are, just waiting for him. And while his disciples roll their eyes and maybe mutter under their breath, “Good Lord, people, will you just go away,” Jesus sees the throngs of needy and desperate people. And Jesus has compassion, for the people, because they are “like sheep without a shepherd.” And he begins to teach them.

Jesus is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is the shepherd of God that offers to us wisdom when we are confused, peace when we are in turmoil, rest when we are tired, and life when we are broken and close to spiritual deadness. Jesus is the generosity, compassion, love and patience of God. And yet, all that Jesus is ends and begins in what He has done to save us.