Green Grass in Deserted Places
Read Mark 6:30-44
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. –Mark 6:34
The disciples returned from their mission, excited about all the things that God had done through them. (Remember that they were sent out earlier in the chapter—in fact, this is the meaning of the word “apostle,” one who is sent.) As they were sharing their report, Jesus said to them: “Come away with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Just a quick note—the NIV reads “a quiet place” and the NRSV reads “a deserted place.” The Greek literally means “uninhabited.”)
Jesus knew how draining this kind of ministry can be. Even though the disciples were excited, they needed replenishment and realignment. But as was the case in the first chapter when Jesus tried to withdraw into a deserted place (Mark 1:35-37), the people followed Jesus and his disciples into the wilderness.
When Jesus saw them, he saw they were like “sheep without a shepherd.” This line evokes numerous passages from the Old Testament:
Moses prayed for the people of Israel to have a leader so they would not be “like sheep without a shepherd.” (Num 27:17)
Ezekiel promised an era in which God himself would “shepherd his people.” (Ezekiel 34:5-6)
Perhaps the clearest reference is to the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) This connection is emphasized even more when Jesus seats the crowd “on the green grass” (“He makes me lie down in green pastures”—Psalm 23:2).
I find the juxtaposition of “green grass” within the “wilderness " especially interesting.” We don’t often put those things together. We expect to find “green grass” in places of abundance. But as far as the disciples were concerned, there was no abundance to be found in this place. The disciples had only five loaves of bread and two fish among them—barely enough to feed twelve people, much less 5,000!
But Jesus sat the crowds in groups of hundreds and fifties (remember how Moses divided the people in the same way in Exodus 18). The disciples assisted him in distributing the bread and fish, and somehow there ended up being more than enough, with twelve basketfuls leftover! What appeared to be scarcity ended up being an abundance, indeed!
In his book The Land Between, Jeff Manion reflects that God often leads us into places where our faith is tested. The land “in between” does not look like green pasture—in fact, it often feels decidedly brown! But the wilderness is where we discover that we can trust in God. What feels like a season of testing turns into a remarkable season of growth.
Do you currently find yourself in an “in between” place? Do things feel more brown than green? If so, hear Jesus’ invitation to the disciples: “Come away with me to a quiet place and get some rest.” Trust that God is a good shepherd, and he knows exactly where you are and what you need. We can trust in His good provision.
O Good Shepherd, lead me beside still waters. Make me lie down in green pastures. Help me to so trust in Your presence and care, that I can feel safe even in the presence of my enemies. Thank You for Your constant goodness and mercy. Amen.