PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 8:1-10
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I have compassion for these people.” (Mark 8:2)
Jesus is working in the Decapolis, 10 cities east of the Jordan.
It is modern day area of Jordan, Syria and the Golan Heights.
The citizens were mostly Semitic (Canaanites) or Greek and Roman.
In modern terms, Jesus was a Jew working with Palestinians and other non Jews.
This story shows us the blessing of Abraham extending to the nations.
“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3)
Paul calls this “the gospel in advance” (Galatians 3:8) for the Gentiles.
In other words, God’s compassion through Jesus is for all people.
Jesus still looks out on people other than his own followers with compassion
Jesus moves and works among people of all races, cultures, religions and lifestyles.
He does not vet them first, to see whether they measure up or properly believe.
He ‘turns on the taps’ of God’s generosity, with leftovers to spare.
As followers of Jesus, we need to experience the extent of God’s compassion.
Not only for sinners like us, but for sinners like everyone else too.
PRAYER
Lord, your compassion goes way beyond our own. Forgive us for putting up walls where you take them down. May sinners experience grace through us, so that they too can repent and believe and follow you.
Jesus has compassion – a real heart for the people. How can I be cool and callous? I know at one time it struck me hard – and I was reminded that even if I am busy doing good – I need to have compassion for the people around me – they are not targets to be served – even when I’m not serving them – I still need to have compassion for them. So it hurts when people are suffering – it commits me to do what I can – but it still feels like not enough!!
The crowds were with Jesus for three days – eager, hungry to hear more. Jesus provides, not only the word of life but also the bread of heaven. Remember how He feed His people in the wilderness?
Only Jesus can truly feed His people – body and soul.
Guide me, O thou great redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty,
Hold me with thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer;
Be thou still my strength and shield;
Be thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction
Land me safe on Canaan’s side:
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee;
I will ever give to thee.