While Mark is generally very short in his accounts, he seems to spend more time here describing what became a major shaping event in the lives of the disciples. Jesus had just learned of the death of his cousin and forerunner, John the baptizer. At about the same time, the disciples had just returned from their first ministry trip, so they all went away to rest. However, in the midst of all of this, the crowds follow. Rather than just sending them away, Jesus had compassion on the crowds, because they were ‘harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.’ So after a day’s worth of teaching, everyone was hungry, and the disciples were apparently hungry and tired. So their request of Jesus was simple: get them out of here so they can eat. But Jesus takes that moment of weariness and turns it into a faith lesson for the disciples.
Even after the miraculous feeding, they didn’t get it. It says in the next story that they didn’t understand because their hearts were hardened. So, Jesus shows them more than just another miracle; he reveals more of himself to his disciples.
I think the most important lesson that we can learn is not how to serve people better, but rather is to see Jesus as he really is—Lord over all. The disciples had just learned about ministry and had apparently did it effectively, yet Jesus wanted to show them more. He didn’t just want them to be able to do ministry, he wanted them to know the one who was truly doing the ministry through them.
God has empowered you to reach out to your world. But don’t settle for just doing ministry. Strive to know the one who is at work in you and through you.
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