Biblical Meaning of Sheep Without a Shepherd (Mark 6:30-34)

Biblical Meaning of Sheep Without a Shepherd (Mark 6:30-34). Biblical meaning of Jesus’ words: sheep without a shepherd. Jesus says these words in (Mark 6:30-34). The twelve apostles had returned from their short mission tour. Jesus noticed how busy and tired his apostles were, suggested that they go to a deserted place and take a rest. As they moved towards a resting place, they were interrupted by the crowd. Looking at the crowds, Jesus has compassion on the people and says: they are sheep without a shepherd. 16TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Why Gospel Writer Mark is in a hurry to tell Jesus’ stories
Mark is a fast-paced, gospel – things happen immediately 40 x, there are stories within a story. There is no time to celebrate the accomplishment of the disciples. Mark wants the reader to establish a relationship with Jesus. Yes, Mark will take a lot of time to explain the details surrounding Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection.
Mark’s concern is to talk about the inauguration of the kingdom of God. Mark 6:30-34 emphasizes Jesus’ identity as a true and divine shepherd, who will guide the sheep into the kingdom.
Yes, Gospel of John talks about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. John 10 stresses the connection between a shepherd and sheep – shepherd knows the sheep and the sheep recognizes the shepherd. The metaphor is incomplete without mentioning, that a good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
What does the Bible say about shepherds?
Mark 6:30-34 underscores Jesus’ identity as a true shepherd. In the book of Numbers Chapter 27 Moses prays to God to appoint his successor so that the people may not be like sheep without a shepherd (Number 27:17). Such a shepherd will go before the people, who shall lead them and bring them into the promised land.
Language of shepherd in the Hebrew Bible also expresses a critique of Israel’s false leaders. Prophet Ezekiel 34:2-5 blasts out at the Israel’s kings for enriching themselves and neglecting the needs of the people. Mark is placing the sheep without a shepherd, after Herod beheads John the Baptist. Mark indicates Herod is a false shepherd, who has scattered the sheep and killed the herald of God’s kingdom.
In such a situation, people are longing for, even chasing after, the true shepherd who will bring them into the kingdom.

00:00 Biblical Meaning
01:27 Mark in a hurry to tell Jesus’ stories
03:01 Bible says about shepherds
04:16 Jesus does to the Sheep without a Shepherd
06:20 Why Sheep Needs a Shepherd