Lesson 81

LESSON 81 - Mark 6:30-34

30And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 33And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. 34And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Verse 30 picks up the story, beginning at verse 7 and ending at v13, about Jesus sending the 12 apostles out into the villages and towns to cast out demons, heal, preach the Word of God, etc.

The apostles returned and gave Jesus a report of what had happened, what they had done and what they had taught. Notice the two aspects of their ministry, the Word and their works. Their works confirmed the power of the Word they preached. This happened over and over.

Luke 10:17-21 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. . . v21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Mk 16:20 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

Come apart or fall apart:

31And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:

Notice Jesus had his followers leave the crowds. He knew they needed rest. We all need some quiet time, just us and the Lord, after an extended time of ministering to people. Sometimes we think we must go on and on without regard for health, but the Lord does not teach that. Here, He addresses the need to care for the physical body and for the emotions.

Principle: Your body is the Lord's and, therefore, it should be taken care of properly.

Verse 33: Notice the response of the people who followed Jesus. Some knew Him, knew His habits, knew His favorite places, so they followed Him. In fact, some guessed where He was going and ran to the place, outdistancing the others who were also following.

John 6:2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. This group wanted to be near Him because of what He could do.

Verse 34: Jesus began to teach them more about the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:11) In Matt 14:14, it also says He healed their sick. Here again is an example that miracles and the Word go together.

"Sheep without a shepherd"

No sheep should be without a shepherd. Sheep will go astray and get in danger without leadership. In the same way, believers need a shepherd, a pastor, to protect them from the enemy and to keep them going in the right direction. If you don't have a church home, begin to ask the Lord to lead you to the one He wants you to attend and serve Him in.