The Good Shepherd Prepares a Table

In Mark 6, Jesus looks upon the multitude and has compassion on them, for they are like sheep without a shepherd. In Ezekiel 34, God promised to personally shepherd His scattered and neglected people. Christ came to fulfill this role. He is the Good Shepherd. His compassion for the people is expressed first and foremost through teaching, for God's word is the most essential provision for human life. The miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish was a sign pointing to a greater reality: Christ himself is the true bread from heaven, and genuine life is sustained not by earthly food but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. As under-shepherds, pastors and teachers are called to faithfully feed the flock through the proclamation of Scripture, trusting that it is ultimately Christ's voice that gathers and sustains his people.