When He deserved "me" time, Jesus welcomed the Crowd
Jesus had sent the disciples to go out and spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God to the masses. After their return they gave an account to Him of all that they had achieved. It is after that Jesus withdraws with them to a city called Bethsaida. Their journey to spread the Gospel was a demanding task and hence Jesus suggests that they withdraw so that they can all rest. But we notice the multitudes following Jesus Christ and He welcomed them and began to speak them about the Kingdom of God and curing those who had sicknesses. Jesus could have very well rejected them indicating that He needed time for rest and privacy to be with His disciples. This argument could be appealing in our time and age where our society is privatized. Jesus isn't allowed to take a day off by this crowd and He welcomes them wholeheartedly.We notice that Jesus is moved by compassion and began to attend to the various needs of the masses in this passage. The ministry of Jesus demonstrates to all those who may desire to serve with Him in God's mission the need for a holistic ministry. He has compassion on their souls as well as their body. Jesus recognized the need for the disciples to rest and the need for the truth of Gods kingdom to be ministered to the masses. Jesus was so compassionate that even their shallowness, even their indulgence couldn't stop Him from caring. He cared that people had rest when they were weary, and He also, and more importantly, cared that they had the truth when they were ignorant.
Jesus also had compassion on their need for deliverance. And so at the end of verse 11 it says: "And curing those who had need of healing. "He felt compassion for them and healed their sick." He felt compassion for them, as sheep without a shepherd, so He taught them. He felt compassion for them in their suffering so He healed them. He felt compassion for their physical need He provided food for them. Jesus offers a model of mission work that responds to diverse needs of humanity.
| When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. (Luke9:10-11) |
Richard Mkandawire is a Minister at St. Columbas in Kabwe, married to Aretha and together they have two sons Khumbo and Mbawemi. Richard serves on the MaD Committee.
