July 22, 2018
LOST SHEEP
Mark 6:30-44
“Lost Sheep”
Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Parenthood is full of contradictions. You find yourself hoping…dreaming…vowing…to get some extra sleep and then find yourself staying up late folding clothes, picking up toys, or getting other work done while the house is quiet. You have days when you wonder how your child is going to make it to their next birthday as you scream that you are done with their behavior; done with their yelling and crying and fighting and back talking and taunting and arguing… and then miss them dearly as they spend the night at grandma’s house. Days can be challenging…and others filled with memories you’ll cherish a lifetime. They can drive you crazy and moments later melt your heart.
Before our Gospel lesson took place Jesus had been rejected by his hometown; people He knew closely; relatives and friends. He continued to heal the sick, the lame, the blind and the deaf. He sent the Disciples out into the world to do the same. Things were very busy. And right before our text occurred Jesus heard of John the Baptist’s beheading. John, his cousin. John, whom proclaimed faithfully about the Savior. John, whom loved his Lord. John, who was killed for proclaiming the truth of God’s Word.
Jesus was dealing with friends and families not listening, relationships being strained, the work of ministry (leading and guiding, preaching, teaching, and healing), the knowledge of His impending death to save the world, and the sadness of losing a loved one to death…death that happened because someone was being faithful to God. In the midst of all of this Jesus just wanted to rest. (Parents…do you still wonder if Jesus knows what you’re going through?)
“And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 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.” (Mark 6:32-34)
In the midst of being pulled in a million directions Jesus had compassion on the people. In the midst of His own grieving Jesus had compassion on the people. Even in the frustration of those he loved; friends and family that rejected Him as Savior…Jesus had compassion on the people. He had compassion because the people were like sheep without a shepherd. The people were lost.
This crowd…these sheep needed help. Many were laden with sickness and disease. Others were mute or lame. Worst of all they had no Shepherd to protect them, guide them or feed them with the knowledge of a loving God. So Jesus, tired and in mourning, had compassion on them.
Throughout Scripture we see God’s love for us and all people in Christ Jesus. Here in our text the people gathered around Jesus, it grew late, and our Lord had compassion to feed them as they hungered. Weeks ago we heard about a ruler of the Synagogue, Jairus, whose daughter was dying. Jesus had compassion, went with this man, and raised his little girl from the dead. Jesus healed many. He made the blind to see, the lame to walk, cast out demons, and raised others from the dead.
Scripture records another time when the Disciples were exhausted and wanted to retreat from the people. “Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:13-15)
Jesus tells them and us: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
So where is this rest? That rest is found here in this place. Each of you has been given the promised rest…and I don’t mean that you should fall asleep during my sermon. That rest is found in the waters of Holy Baptism. That rest is found in the body and blood of Christ. Our rest is the promise of sins forgiven, the gift of heaven, and the resurrection of all flesh. Our rest is found solely in Christ Jesus.
We have a Savior that has compassion on each and every one of us…young and old alike. Jesus has compassion on all lost sheep. He gives us rest even as He never rests on us! Christ gives us everything we need in this life and the next. He forgives our sins. He restores our souls. He gives us strength to overcome this world, patience to endure, peace, love, joy, and rest. He even gives us the ability to have compassion and to love others when we are weak ourselves. Just like parents who are worn out and at whit’s end…
Christ has compassion on all of us. Do you ever wonder why? Because Jesus looks past our sinfulness. Jesus looks past our shortcomings. Jesus sees each of you as someone precious and worth dying for. Christ died for you!
May our Lord who has compassion on us and gives us rest continue to bless us with faith that sees our friends, family, neighbors and even our enemies as Jesus sees them: people worth dying for. Then by faith we may have true compassion and share the truth and love about Jesus with others so that they may believe in Christ and receive forgiveness and the rest they so desperately need. Amen.
Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.
