Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

Context

Mark 6 began with Jesus being rejected in his hometown and sending the Twelve on a ‘mission trip.’ At the high point of the disciples’ success, Mark interrupts his narrative to relay the death of John the Baptist. It is following this darker narrative that the apostles return, telling Jesus “all that they had done and taught” (v30).

As we reflect on this text, we might notice verses 35-52 (which are omitted by the Revised Common Lectionary). Contained in these verses is Mark’s telling of the feeding of the five thousand, and Jesus’ walking on water. There are some challenging aspects to the way Mark relates these two miracles, especially in how the disciples are portrayed. If we skip straight from verse 34 to 53, we could maintain a heroic…

1. When you think of Jesus’ compassion, what comes to mind? How might teaching be compassionate?

2. How do you think the crowds might have recognised Jesus (v54)? How might we recognise Jesus among us today?

3. When you think of your own walk with Jesus, how much importance do you place on action? How much on reflection? How does God draw these two aspects together in…