Mark 6:14-44
WHEN HEROD heard of Jesus and His works, he said: “It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.” Conscience was surely awakened in this weak man, part of whose history is given us in this chapter — and particularly the details of his responsibility in the beheading of John the Baptist. It is another instance of one who is impressed with the zeal and fervor of one preaching God’s word, but who never applies it to his own conscience. Herod no doubt had respect for John, for we read he “was exceeding sorry” that his carelessly given promise resulted in John’s death. Yet he was not a convicted soul from the preaching of that man whom he liked, and his true character was shown in this crucial and tragic test.
We are reminded in the case of Herod, of the seed sown in the fourth chapter of this gospel — part of which fell on stony ground, speaking of those who receive the word with gladness, but have no root in themselves and do not endure. Herod’s improper marriage to his brother’s wife brought about circumstances where he was trapped by his own weakness and foolishness into slaying John, in order to please this wicked woman. In Romans 6:16 we read: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” So the servant of Satan will sooner or later find himself involved in something he might find distasteful, but yet he cannot refuse his master.
This sad story ends with the disciples coming sorrowfully to take John’s body to burial and then turning to Jesus with their grief. At this time they tell Him too of their work on which He had sent them and no doubt many an interesting recital was give It was good for them to come to the Lord and He readily comforts the inviting them, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.”
In the course of seeking this retreat, many people come out into the desert to witness this One who could do such mighty works. His heart “was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to teach them many things.” How typical of this long Servant that He devoted His day to their needs. We have no record of the disciples helping throughout the day and perhaps they secured the rest they anticipated, but not so with Jesus, who busied himself with the multitude all day long.
As the day wears away the disciples approach Him and urge that He send the people away, so they could secure food in the neighboring towns. They did not yet fully know the true character of the One they were following, who would not send the people away without first giving them a bountiful token of His goodness. Nor would He turn them back upon their own resources when they had come to seek Him out.
“He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew they say, Five, and two fishes.” Although over five thousand people were present, Jesus calmly gives thanks for the food, and through the disciples distributes to them, and “They did all eat, and were filled.” Not only were they all filled, but also when they took up what was left there were twelve baskets full — one for each of the disciples.
We are again reminded of the unlimited character of God’s Word as well as His love — that can be dispensed freely beyond measure and yet the source of that love never emptying.
ML-08/11/1963