“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. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭6:34-44‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/bible/59/mrk.6.34-44.esv
All,This stands out because Mark says, “he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” I love the image of Jesus being a shepherd and me being a sheep(Psalm 23). To be a sheep is not a compliment as sheep cannot really think for themselves. They can be standing beside water and not realize it until the shepherd guides them there. So a sheep to a shepherd is a good visual for me and my need for Jesus. I may have certain knowledge, but He has omniscient knowledge and He wants the best for me. Why would I want to be on my own without His “rod and staff” to guide me? Please pray that we and our friends are thankful for our shepherd. Please pray for the oppressed to seek true freedom in Jesus and not just politics.