What Jesus Did! 'Concern for the Crowds' — Mark 6:35-36

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Late in the afternoon [when Jesus was teaching a huge crowd,] his disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat."
— Mark 6:35-36 NLT

Key Thought

At first glance, and because we know the outcome of the story, we might miss the concern the disciples have for the crowd. They are genuinely concerned for the physical well-being of the folks who are following Jesus. Sometimes we get so caught up in the "spiritual" talk and show of church that we forget the very real physical needs of each other. However, Christianity — being a follower of the Christ — is not just about "spiritual" talk and "spiritual" intentions. It is providing genuine care and concern. Little do the disciples know that, before this incident is over, Jesus will raise their expectations of what it means to provide genuine care and concern!

Today's Prayer

Father, help my heart to be open to the physical needs around me and help me to do something to help the people with those needs. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 John 3:16-18
  • James 2:14-17
  • Matthew 25:31-36

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 6:35-36 NLT — "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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