When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

This crowd has been chasing Jesus and his disciples, eager for miracles. They were so mobbed that they got into a boat to escape, but the people ran ahead of them and beat them to their destination. Jesus’ group had been hoping for some rest, but now they have another crowd. Jesus does not resent the crowd of more than 5000, but has compassion on them.

Did you or your children ever find an injured bird or a lost kitten and bring it in? My children once found an abandoned litter of kittens. My children had compassion on these kittens because they seemed helpless; the kittens didn’t know how to get what they needed (warmth and nourishment) but the children did. We lived in the country, so it seemed reasonable to help them survive to keep the mouse population down. Twelve years later, I’m still feeding a descendant of that litter because of my kids’ compassion.

Mark tells us that Jesus saw the crowd as sheep without a shepherd. Sheep without a shepherd are fairly helpless and vulnerable to danger; they need a shepherd to guide them and protect them from predators. This crowd thought they knew what they wanted from Jesus, but Jesus saw their true need. They needed His lessons of truth and His Gospel message.

Jesus saw their need and took time to teach them and feed them; they received from him bread for their bellies and the bread of life (John 6:35). Our Good Shepherd knows His sheep (John 10:14), and He knows what they need. The ones who humbly come to Him, even if they don’t recognize their true needs, He will never drive away (John 6:37). He is patient to teach and feed.

Do you have a need that you think Jesus can fulfill? Have you been praying for something in particular? Our Good Shepherd is compassionate; He hears your prayer, and He will supply what you truly need.

By Grace Barnes, Bible League International volunteer, Michigan, U.S.