“I have compassion on these people.” Mark 8:2

People were in the crowd that day for various reasons.

Many sought healing.

Some sought entertainment.

Some had personal agendas – political or religious.

Some genuinely sought the Messiah.

For three days, thousands of people came before Jesus,

some with hands out,

some with fingers pointed,

some rolling their eyes,

 whispering behind hands.

The disciples were probably tired:

tired of people,

tired of ministry,

wanting to escape.

Jesus turns his attention from the crowd to his followers.

He throws down a gauntlet.

“I have compassion for these people.”

It is the same today.

These words stand with authority – 

in the face of my judgment.

They dare me to turn my back on people:

because they have worn me out,

or offended me in some insignificant way.

These words may convey the gentleness of Jesus,

but they are not gently spoken.

It is his final word on the subject.

They boldly remind me who I am,

and who I follow.

“Your attitude should be the same

as that of Christ Jesus.”

Phillipians 2:2