Sheep Without A Shepherd

Prelude

As we look around our community, do we see sheep without a shepherd who need to hear the good news? Purpose: Let’s focus on our mission. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions and example in Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.

1 Tell & Rest

Mark 6:30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

The apostles returned from a mission with testimonials about all that they had done and taught. Should we do likewise at times? In church gatherings and quiet times we rest a while. God’s work is overwhelming. Rest and worship are Sabbath principles (Hebrews 3-4; Matthew 11:28; Hebrews 10:25). Statistics prove that those who regularly go to church live longer, happier lives. We meet, rest and take a message with us.

2 Compassion & Teach

Mark 6:33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.

The church has a mission (Matthew 28:19-20) to other cultures. Foreigners are a blessing. Some will become missionaries to their own peoples. Some bring Christianity back to our own sinful nation. God’s kingdom includes other cultures. The common ingredient is Jesus. Are we willing to take risks for Jesus?

3 Touch

Mark 6:53 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55 ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. 56 Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.

God loves every people group. People interrupted Jesus’ time off, but He looked upon them with pity. They were like sheep without a shepherd. Do we see sheep without a shepherd around us? We go to church to touch the hem of His clothing, to be healed from our mortality. We leave to tell others that they too can be healed.

Postlude

Do we look with compassion upon those who are like sheep without a shepherd? Our weekly assignment is to rest, then ask God to guide us to someone who is ready to hear the good news.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.