I think it’s interesting that he was just going to walk right by them… on the water. But then they saw him so instead of being like, “okay see you there “ He got into the boat and rode the rest of the way with them. Instead of, you know… just walking across the water. Sometimes I wonder if he got a kick out of their reactions. I’m sure he had a great sense of humor. lol
56And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Obviously Christ’s dying sacrifice is his most wonderful gift – but I can’t imagine the constant work and effort to heal and bless everyone who came to him. What an amazing savior.
We are in a desolate time right now. Maybe we need to “come away and rest for awhile.” I pray God will draw me so near and dear to His heart during this time.
Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.
So often I let fear take control of my thoughts, forgetting that Jesus is always with me. I’m reminded to look at Him and not at the storm around.
Such a hard thing to comprehend… and then I thought “what things have I seen and yet still have a hardened heart?” Paul’s words came flooding my mind. “Oh wretched (wo)man that I am. Who will set me free from this body of death?” Thank God He has made a way… The only Way. Thank God for our Risen Savior! God help me to really know you and keep my heart soft toward your truth.
Once I was talking to a friend about this passage in mark, and my friend pointed out the humor in the passage.
“48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out…”
Jesus had to have had a sense of humor. He told the disciples that he would meet them later, and the disciples probably thought he’d take another boat or something, but Jesus walked out n the water and “was about to pass by them,” or in other translations, “He meant to pass them.” Jesus had to have known that the disciples would be terrified, yet he meant to pass them… Sounds almost like a prank! I could imagine Jesus smiling to himself, “this is gonna get them good!” Now maybe it isn’t funny, but it sounds a little playful to me;)
On a more serious note, Jesus of course was out to teach them something real. One message here is that at times, Jesus chooses to pass by our boats and lead us through the storm instead of get in our boats and calm it. We must trust Him no matter what and believe he will get in the boat with us when the time is right.
The Lord has compassion for everyone. Even me. Even in his human fatigue, the Lord has compassion on those who needed him. Lord, help me to remember your compassion, and willingness and love to help me. Remind me to call on you rather than myself
Currently dealing with some minor health issues that are all the same still scary, but this story just reminds me that no problem is too big for God. I encourage you ladies (and myself!) to simply give up your problems to God and stop worrying, for he says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Mark 6:34 “Jesus … felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd”. They wandered aimlessly. He felt compassion for them. He wanted to help them. And He did. He taught them. Presumably about Himself. He was the answer to their questions. The “home/refuge” from their wandering b
The story of Jesus feeding 5,000 always reminds me of a quote by Nelson Mandela: “it always seems impossible until it’s done”. Trust in him, and He will show you the way!
Love this story of Jesus feeding 5,000 so much!!
41 “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people.” Jesus doesn’t stress or worry about how to complete a seemingly impossible task. He doesn’t attempt to do it on his own. He puts his faith in God, praises Him, and is more than provided for! Praying for this kind of strength in my faith
I finally just caught up, four days behind. We’ve been ill here and I’ve had no desire to be in the Word or close to our God. The dialogue has been so great for me after reading Scripture, to gain deeper insight- thanks sisters!
Today a passage in Mark stood out, when Lord Jesus knew the need for rest, but He himself needed time with the Father. (And encouraged His disciples to have rest too). As I look at how I was before sitting down this morning , I was full of anger, malice, and bitterness with motherhood, being sick, etc. It wasn’t until I confessed my sin, and repented, and prayed for that hunger, did my anger decrease and literally melt away. I’m sitting here at peace, resting at His feet. Knowing that even just “touching the fringe of His garment” I am healed.
Praise Lord Jesus, Who is our great High Priest forever, that in Him there is no condemnation, that there are new mercies each morning, that He fills us with mercy, compassion, love and above all grace.
To remind myself and others;
grace
ɡrās/
noun
2. the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
Anne-Marie your words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your candor and insight! I am so thankful for His grace today. Grace that I don’t deserve and can never earn no matter how hard I try…but still is freely given to me.
Thank you for your post! This entire day has been filled with so many feelings of fear and frustration for me and tonight I finally told myself the only place of peace is sitting at HIS feet! I know the healing you speak of and His grace towards us!
Yes, ” His Grace is sufficient to keep us” I remembered getting a piece of paper with those words, just like a fortune cookie paper and I kept it in my purse. It was such a solace for me when I needed surgery and couldn’t afford it. Every time was anxious and happen to reach in my purse, I would come up with the paper. I would read it and it calmed. Some how true to His word, His grace was sufficient to keep me and I miraculously had the surgery, and it was paid for. Keep praying, the Lord is listening and He is working behind the scene. Hang on, He will come thru as promised.
Thank you Paula for sharing your story– need to get a piece of paper in my purse with those words, stat! His GRACE is sufficient for me, no matter what I face today. Thank you God!
I heard the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 described recently as happening “quietly, almost mundanely”. Think about how long it must have taken and how much work it was to distribute all that food! It wasn’t flashy, it didn’t save anyone’s life. But it was a MIRACLE! How many miracles do I miss or dismiss because I’m not paying attention or because I don’t think it’s a big deal? Open my eyes Father to see your hand at work!
“Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” Jesus knew ministry was hard work, life is exhausting, people constantly need you…and this invitation to come away and rest, I love it! I desperately need to come away and rest right now!
34 When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.
For some reason this morning, these simple words touched me. He felt COMPASSION for them. Sometimes it is easy to harden ourselves against humanity because we don’t want to be hurt or rejected, but the Lord’s heart is so large and encompassing. He looks at each one of us with compassion, not contempt, and desires ALL men to be saved. Without Him, we are just sheep without a Shepherd.
Not only did He feel compassion, He gave it at a time when His original plan had been to take His disciples to a place they could be alone and rest and pray, away from people… and then people showed up. This isn’t the first time His compassion for needy people overruled His need for rest.
Numbers is hard. It has reminded me how fallen we are and that the wages of sin equal death. Literally dying- physically and spiritually. BUT, it has also reminded me of the freedom I have in Christ! No longer bound by sin or the law, but redeemed once and for all!
Observations and interesting info I found that makes me thankful as I looked from a few different angles… Cool to hear your thoughts and insight (new info for me)
According to jewishencyclopaedia.com they have 2 functions.
(Hebrew “go’el”): The Hebrew name for the clansman, “next of kin,” upon whom devolved the duties:
(1) of avenging, on the person of the murderer, the blood of a murdered kinsman—in this capacity the more specific term “go’el ha-dam” (blood-avenger) was generally used
(2) of Redeeming the property or the person of a relative that had fallen into debt.
One would determine that a prerequisite is connection through bloodline to the family (thinking bout Jesus here n his lineage) one was appointed to act on behalf of.
A huge responsibility to bear, person of strength nobility leader loving intercessor and I’m sure many other characteristics.
Both avenger and kinsmen redeemer, vindicator – one who was appointed on behalf of the family to exact justice in cases of bloodshed, protect, redeem or restore those who had lost everything because of debt.
A blood avenger (BA) had first right of refusal for property being sold before being offered to the public, may sell own land or self into slavery in order to bring restoration. Marry widow who had no issue/support.
That got me thinking of examples in OT… Could be Boaz on behalf of Ruth and Naomi. Joseph on behalf of the Israelites, Esther, and the greatest in NT… Jesus on behalf of us.
Multiple facets of their role…
*Answer the cry for justice from the one who was killed and the family of those left behind
*Stop ongoing tic for tac response from either side of unneeded murders/ retaliations from family members of the murdered and murdere, so would be free from sinning/guilt of bloodshed – not their place to do so.
*Bringer of peace/conflict resolution
*Arbitrator or settler of disputes
*Still subject to law of land & God – if a person is deemed to have taken a life accidentally the he may not pursue if they are in a city of refuge, but if the person leaves the presence of refuge and encounters the blood avenger the person is subject to the blood avenger. Everyone who was in the city of refuge has the freewill to remain or leave.
*A person is protected while under the covering of the High Priest, unless the person chooses to leave or the priest dies. Free will still in tact, if you leave covering you may think you are free… But not really as you could be found at anytime, always on the run or looking over your shoulder
*If the priest dies, then the person is absolved from the judgement of the blood avenger.
No longer can they be persecuted, pursued, held captive they are then restored and justified.
In the same way Jesus is to us, both judge and kinsman redeemer, and great High Priest forever.
He died for our sins that we may be justified from the ‘accuser’.
As our redeemer he lay down his life that we may have our debt of sin paid in full.
He was raised from the dead and high priest for ever therefore will always have his covering and protection as we remain in him.
Probably more, for me reinforces how OT depicts and is/was a foreshadow of whats to come through Jesus. Crazy cool.
Drop the mic, that was awesome Tarnz! Thank you for looking all this up! I love learning how layered Jesus’ sacrifice is. He answered scripture, our needs, God’s needs. How awesome!
52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Oh Lord, don’t let me harden my heart but open my eyes so I can see your wonders and everything you do for me.
I think it’s interesting that he was just going to walk right by them… on the water. But then they saw him so instead of being like, “okay see you there “ He got into the boat and rode the rest of the way with them. Instead of, you know… just walking across the water. Sometimes I wonder if he got a kick out of their reactions. I’m sure he had a great sense of humor. lol
He will calm every situation if we keep our eyes on Him, keep him in our lives!!
Even if he touches the edges of them miracles happen
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
56And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Obviously Christ’s dying sacrifice is his most wonderful gift – but I can’t imagine the constant work and effort to heal and bless everyone who came to him. What an amazing savior.
51And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,
Such a powerful story!
✔️
❤️
We need to touch the end of his coat now more then ever
✅
Mark 6:31 stuck out, how they were not resting for long before hungry people that were pursuing Jesus found them.
We are in a desolate time right now. Maybe we need to “come away and rest for awhile.” I pray God will draw me so near and dear to His heart during this time.
Our God is all powerful! But he cares about and provides for all of our needs
“They did not understand about the loaves…” What does this mean?
trust that God will provide -ellie
The Lord has compassion for the people, who were spiritually helpless and confused like sheep without a shepherd.
Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.
So often I let fear take control of my thoughts, forgetting that Jesus is always with me. I’m reminded to look at Him and not at the storm around.
Wow! I’m letting that roll around in my head for a bit. They were there, seeing everything but it hadn’t penetrated their heart.
I’m reading this in the Message and it reads “None of this had yet penetrated their hearts.”
Such a hard thing to comprehend… and then I thought “what things have I seen and yet still have a hardened heart?” Paul’s words came flooding my mind. “Oh wretched (wo)man that I am. Who will set me free from this body of death?” Thank God He has made a way… The only Way. Thank God for our Risen Savior! God help me to really know you and keep my heart soft toward your truth.
Once I was talking to a friend about this passage in mark, and my friend pointed out the humor in the passage.
“48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out…”
Jesus had to have had a sense of humor. He told the disciples that he would meet them later, and the disciples probably thought he’d take another boat or something, but Jesus walked out n the water and “was about to pass by them,” or in other translations, “He meant to pass them.” Jesus had to have known that the disciples would be terrified, yet he meant to pass them… Sounds almost like a prank! I could imagine Jesus smiling to himself, “this is gonna get them good!” Now maybe it isn’t funny, but it sounds a little playful to me;)
On a more serious note, Jesus of course was out to teach them something real. One message here is that at times, Jesus chooses to pass by our boats and lead us through the storm instead of get in our boats and calm it. We must trust Him no matter what and believe he will get in the boat with us when the time is right.
I think you’re so right — Jesus was fully man and fully God, so I’m sure he had an amazing sense of humor. :)
That’s so funny! I always think about the Father having a sense of humor but for some reason not Jesus. I hope you are right. :)
Thank you for this! Not only did it warm but my heart but it encouraged me in the faith. Thank you! This is beautiful
I LOVE this thought!
The Lord has compassion for everyone. Even me. Even in his human fatigue, the Lord has compassion on those who needed him. Lord, help me to remember your compassion, and willingness and love to help me. Remind me to call on you rather than myself
Currently dealing with some minor health issues that are all the same still scary, but this story just reminds me that no problem is too big for God. I encourage you ladies (and myself!) to simply give up your problems to God and stop worrying, for he says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Love the story of the bread and fish. Amazed by them feeding 5,000 people.
Me too. Amazing!
Mark 6:34 “Jesus … felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd”. They wandered aimlessly. He felt compassion for them. He wanted to help them. And He did. He taught them. Presumably about Himself. He was the answer to their questions. The “home/refuge” from their wandering b
The story of Jesus feeding 5,000 always reminds me of a quote by Nelson Mandela: “it always seems impossible until it’s done”. Trust in him, and He will show you the way!
Love this story of Jesus feeding 5,000 so much!!
41 “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people.” Jesus doesn’t stress or worry about how to complete a seemingly impossible task. He doesn’t attempt to do it on his own. He puts his faith in God, praises Him, and is more than provided for! Praying for this kind of strength in my faith
I finally just caught up, four days behind. We’ve been ill here and I’ve had no desire to be in the Word or close to our God. The dialogue has been so great for me after reading Scripture, to gain deeper insight- thanks sisters!
Today a passage in Mark stood out, when Lord Jesus knew the need for rest, but He himself needed time with the Father. (And encouraged His disciples to have rest too). As I look at how I was before sitting down this morning , I was full of anger, malice, and bitterness with motherhood, being sick, etc. It wasn’t until I confessed my sin, and repented, and prayed for that hunger, did my anger decrease and literally melt away. I’m sitting here at peace, resting at His feet. Knowing that even just “touching the fringe of His garment” I am healed.
Praise Lord Jesus, Who is our great High Priest forever, that in Him there is no condemnation, that there are new mercies each morning, that He fills us with mercy, compassion, love and above all grace.
To remind myself and others;
grace
ɡrās/
noun
2. the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
Truly, His grace is sufficient for me. Amen!
Anne-Marie your words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your candor and insight! I am so thankful for His grace today. Grace that I don’t deserve and can never earn no matter how hard I try…but still is freely given to me.
Thank you for your post! This entire day has been filled with so many feelings of fear and frustration for me and tonight I finally told myself the only place of peace is sitting at HIS feet! I know the healing you speak of and His grace towards us!
Yes, ” His Grace is sufficient to keep us” I remembered getting a piece of paper with those words, just like a fortune cookie paper and I kept it in my purse. It was such a solace for me when I needed surgery and couldn’t afford it. Every time was anxious and happen to reach in my purse, I would come up with the paper. I would read it and it calmed. Some how true to His word, His grace was sufficient to keep me and I miraculously had the surgery, and it was paid for. Keep praying, the Lord is listening and He is working behind the scene. Hang on, He will come thru as promised.
Thank you Paula for sharing your story– need to get a piece of paper in my purse with those words, stat! His GRACE is sufficient for me, no matter what I face today. Thank you God!
I’ve always loved this story! Our Lord can multiply the little we think we have.
Praise God that you gals have mentioned all the parts of today’s reading that struck me ! Very encouraging to read all your responses.
38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”
In other words, use what we have…a reminder to me that we already have enough, are equipped with all we need.
True Linda, we just need to lift it up To God and bless it so that it can be multiplied and carry out God’s supernatural task
I heard the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 described recently as happening “quietly, almost mundanely”. Think about how long it must have taken and how much work it was to distribute all that food! It wasn’t flashy, it didn’t save anyone’s life. But it was a MIRACLE! How many miracles do I miss or dismiss because I’m not paying attention or because I don’t think it’s a big deal? Open my eyes Father to see your hand at work!
“Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” Jesus knew ministry was hard work, life is exhausting, people constantly need you…and this invitation to come away and rest, I love it! I desperately need to come away and rest right now!
34 When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.
For some reason this morning, these simple words touched me. He felt COMPASSION for them. Sometimes it is easy to harden ourselves against humanity because we don’t want to be hurt or rejected, but the Lord’s heart is so large and encompassing. He looks at each one of us with compassion, not contempt, and desires ALL men to be saved. Without Him, we are just sheep without a Shepherd.
Yes, exactly. Thank you for your comment. That passage & word really struck me as well and you articulated it very well! :)
Not only did He feel compassion, He gave it at a time when His original plan had been to take His disciples to a place they could be alone and rest and pray, away from people… and then people showed up. This isn’t the first time His compassion for needy people overruled His need for rest.
Numbers is hard. It has reminded me how fallen we are and that the wages of sin equal death. Literally dying- physically and spiritually. BUT, it has also reminded me of the freedom I have in Christ! No longer bound by sin or the law, but redeemed once and for all!
I wondered what is that? A blood avenger
Observations and interesting info I found that makes me thankful as I looked from a few different angles… Cool to hear your thoughts and insight (new info for me)
According to jewishencyclopaedia.com they have 2 functions.
(Hebrew “go’el”): The Hebrew name for the clansman, “next of kin,” upon whom devolved the duties:
(1) of avenging, on the person of the murderer, the blood of a murdered kinsman—in this capacity the more specific term “go’el ha-dam” (blood-avenger) was generally used
(2) of Redeeming the property or the person of a relative that had fallen into debt.
One would determine that a prerequisite is connection through bloodline to the family (thinking bout Jesus here n his lineage) one was appointed to act on behalf of.
A huge responsibility to bear, person of strength nobility leader loving intercessor and I’m sure many other characteristics.
Both avenger and kinsmen redeemer, vindicator – one who was appointed on behalf of the family to exact justice in cases of bloodshed, protect, redeem or restore those who had lost everything because of debt.
A blood avenger (BA) had first right of refusal for property being sold before being offered to the public, may sell own land or self into slavery in order to bring restoration. Marry widow who had no issue/support.
That got me thinking of examples in OT… Could be Boaz on behalf of Ruth and Naomi. Joseph on behalf of the Israelites, Esther, and the greatest in NT… Jesus on behalf of us.
Multiple facets of their role…
*Answer the cry for justice from the one who was killed and the family of those left behind
*Stop ongoing tic for tac response from either side of unneeded murders/ retaliations from family members of the murdered and murdere, so would be free from sinning/guilt of bloodshed – not their place to do so.
*Bringer of peace/conflict resolution
*Arbitrator or settler of disputes
*Still subject to law of land & God – if a person is deemed to have taken a life accidentally the he may not pursue if they are in a city of refuge, but if the person leaves the presence of refuge and encounters the blood avenger the person is subject to the blood avenger. Everyone who was in the city of refuge has the freewill to remain or leave.
*A person is protected while under the covering of the High Priest, unless the person chooses to leave or the priest dies. Free will still in tact, if you leave covering you may think you are free… But not really as you could be found at anytime, always on the run or looking over your shoulder
*If the priest dies, then the person is absolved from the judgement of the blood avenger.
No longer can they be persecuted, pursued, held captive they are then restored and justified.
In the same way Jesus is to us, both judge and kinsman redeemer, and great High Priest forever.
He died for our sins that we may be justified from the ‘accuser’.
As our redeemer he lay down his life that we may have our debt of sin paid in full.
He was raised from the dead and high priest for ever therefore will always have his covering and protection as we remain in him.
Probably more, for me reinforces how OT depicts and is/was a foreshadow of whats to come through Jesus. Crazy cool.
This is great information – it really helped me understand these passages in Numbers. And you’re right – crazy cool! Thanks for posting.
Drop the mic, that was awesome Tarnz! Thank you for looking all this up! I love learning how layered Jesus’ sacrifice is. He answered scripture, our needs, God’s needs. How awesome!
52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Oh Lord, don’t let me harden my heart but open my eyes so I can see your wonders and everything you do for me.