Passage Read: Mark 5-6
Meditation Verses: 6:51-52
Thought
How and why were the disciples' hearts hardened? What lesson were they to have understood from the loaves? They had just returned from their own preaching trips and we're reporting the things they had taught and the miracles they had performed. But there were so many people coming and going that they didn't even have a chance to eat! So Jesus called them to go to a quiet place with Him. But the only solitude they had was in the boat as they sailed across the sea. When they arrived at that solitary place, a crowd had already gathered in anticipation! And Jesus had compassion on them and began teaching them. Were the disciples disappointed? This was supposed to be their time with Jesus, away from the crowds--and it had been Jesus' idea! Now He was entertaining the crowds instead of giving them His attention! They had just done some pretty great things and wanted to celebrate, but instead, they were back to crowd control and serving bread! Was that the lesson? That they weren't rock stars but servants of Christ, even when they become the center of attention and all the people hang on their every word? They're never to get an inflated ego, so that their work is all about them? But it should always be about helping people know Jesus, even if you're dog tired and need a break and a bite to eat. The masses always need to be fed, not necessarily physical food, but those who are hungry for the truth should be filled before you send them on their way. They need Jesus more than the teacher needs a break.
Application
That is a tough lesson, especially after coming off such a successful ministry trip! But that's also when it's most needed, to protect against getting a big head. Serving Jesus is never about becoming a big name and having adoring crowds. It's all about helping the hungry know Jesus and walk with Him. Serving Jesus is always about being second fiddle, never first. Always about being the supporting character, never the main. While it seems those closest to Jesus have to do the most serving and die the most to themselves for the benefit of everyone else, Jesus doesn't overlook that sacrifice, but promises to reward them more than the rest who follow Him. Paul said the same thing in different ways, those most devoted to Jesus are like the scum of the earth as they die every day to help others become kings in Christ. It is so backward from how the world works and believes, but the reward is coming for those who lose themselves to serve Jesus and multiply the faithful among men. That is the price I have to pay if I want to gain the greatest treasure and reward. I must die every day to myself and give my every day to serve the Lord by teaching people the truth about Him.