Mark 6:34
Verse
Context
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
33But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them.34When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Much people, etc. - See this miracle explained on Mat 14:14 (note), etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And Jesus, when he came out of the ship--having gone on shore. saw much people--a great multitude. and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd--At the sight of the multitudes who had followed Him by land and even got before Him, He was so moved, as was His wont in such cases, with compassion, because they were like shepherdless sheep, as to forego both privacy and rest that He might minister to them. Here we have an important piece of information from the Fourth Evangelist (Joh 6:4), "And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh"--rather, "Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was nigh." This accounts for the multitudes that now crowded around Him. They were on their way to keep that festival at Jerusalem. But Jesus did not go up to this festival, as John expressly tells us, (Joh 7:1) --remaining in Galilee, because the ruling Jews sought to kill Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus, when he came out,.... Of the ship, and was got ashore, saw much people; who came partly from the places where he came from, and partly from the cities and towns adjacent: and was moved with compassion towards them; See Gill on Mat 14:14, the reason follows, because they were as sheep, not having a shepherd. Christ observed, that they were hungering and thirsting after the word of righteousness, and had no faithful, spiritual pastors to feed them with knowledge and understanding; for the Scribes and Pharisees were blind guides, and shepherds that could not understand; so that the people were ready to perish for lack of knowledge, not having any spiritual comfort and refreshment under their ministry: hence they followed Christ, wherever he went, with great zeal and fervency, earnestly desiring the bread of life: this moved his compassion, so that though his view in coming to this place was retirement, and that his disciples might have some rest and refreshment, and might solace themselves in private conversation with him, and each other; yet postponing private advantage to public good, instead of reproving them for giving him this fresh trouble, kindly and tenderly received them: and he began to teach them many things; relating to the kingdom of God, the Gospel dispensation, the doctrines and ordinances of it; things relating to their spiritual and eternal welfare, the comfort, and salvation of their immortal souls: and he dwelt long upon these subjects, because he found they were very ignorant, and needed instruction, and were very desirous of it; as well as healed all such of bodily diseases that stood in need thereof; of which Matthew only takes notice, Mat 14:14; as Mark only of doctrine; but Luke mentions both doctrine and miracles of healing, Luk 9:11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:34 they were like sheep without a shepherd: God’s people need a shepherd (Num 27:16-17; 1 Kgs 22:17; 2 Chr 18:16; see Jer 13:10; Ezek 34:23). Teaching people God’s word is compared to feeding sheep in Jewish literature (e.g., Ezek 34:1-24; 2 Baruch 77:13-15).
Mark 6:34
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
33But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them.34When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Passion to Know Him (P1)
By K.P. Yohannan5.3K24:04Knowing GodGEN 12:1MAT 6:33MRK 6:34LUK 6:38JHN 1:4JHN 6:5ACT 10:38In this sermon, Brother K.P. Yohannan discusses the importance of showing love and compassion towards others, just as Jesus did. He emphasizes the need to support national missionaries who can effectively share God's love with those in need. The sermon highlights two incidents from the Gospel of John: Jesus' compassion for a multitude of people and his encounter with a woman at a well. These stories demonstrate Jesus' selflessness and serve as a reminder for believers to prioritize the well-being of others over their own self-interest. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own actions and consider how they can emulate Jesus' love and compassion in their daily lives.
Ark of the Covenant - Part 5
By Major Ian Thomas4.9K1:06:32Ark Of The CovenantMRK 6:34JHN 6:6ROM 8:37In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a small boy who had faith in God's power. The boy had five loaves of bread and two fish, and despite the crowd's doubt, he offered it to Jesus. Jesus took the small offering and miraculously multiplied it to feed thousands of people. The preacher emphasizes the compassion and patience of Jesus, who continued to teach and guide his disciples even when they didn't fully understand. The sermon also mentions another story where Jesus walks on water during a storm to comfort his disciples. The preacher highlights the power of God to do the impossible and encourages listeners to trust in God's provision and guidance.
Saving Life of Christ - Part 4
By Major Ian Thomas3.8K1:03:23Life Of ChristISA 53:5MAT 14:15MRK 6:34LUK 4:18ACT 10:34In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions and being obedient. He uses the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fishes as an example of how God can perform miracles when we trust and obey Him. The preacher also highlights the role of the church in action, where believers are sent by God to share the message of Jesus with others. He mentions the story of Philip, who obediently went on a donkey ride in the desert and led a man to Christ. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to trust in God's guidance, be obedient to His commands, and share the message of Jesus with others.
The Major Ian Thomas Story-04 Biography
By Major Ian Thomas3.4K1:05:18BiographyISA 53:5MRK 6:34ACT 8:25ACT 8:35ACT 8:39ACT 9:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the simplicity and power of the church in action. He uses the example of Philip, who obediently rode a donkey into the desert and encountered a man who was ready to hear about Jesus. The speaker highlights the importance of being sent by God and not going out of sheer enthusiasm, as it can lead to foolishness. He also mentions Peter's vision of a sheet with various animals, which symbolizes God's preparation and guidance in sharing the gospel. The sermon encourages Christians to trust in God's divine activity and to boldly speak about Jesus.
Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K32:13Riches Of ChristMAT 6:33MRK 6:34JHN 6:4JHN 6:331CO 11:23In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the significance of the Lord's Table and the act of breaking bread. He references passages from the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of John to emphasize the compassion and teaching of Jesus towards the multitude. The speaker highlights the importance of not just receiving the word, but also engaging with it and allowing it to transform our lives. He emphasizes that both the receivers and givers of the word must enter into the suffering and brokenness of Christ in order to effectively minister to others. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for a deep and personal connection with the Lord and His sacrifice.
Road to Reality - a Passion to Know Him - Part 1
By K.P. Yohannan1.4K24:04Knowing GodGEN 12:1MAT 6:33MRK 6:34LUK 6:38JHN 1:4JHN 6:5ACT 10:38In this sermon, Brother K.P. Yohannan discusses the importance of showing love and compassion towards others, just as Jesus did. He emphasizes the need to support national missionaries who can effectively share God's love with those in need. The sermon highlights two incidents from the Gospel of John: Jesus' compassion for a multitude of people and his encounter with a woman at a well. These stories demonstrate Jesus' selflessness and serve as a reminder for believers to prioritize the well-being of others over their own self-interest. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own actions and consider how they can emulate Jesus' love and compassion in their daily lives.
Five Loaves and Two Fishes
By Major Ian Thomas1.1K41:23MiraclesMAT 6:33MRK 6:34LUK 9:10JHN 10:11JHN 14:6JHN 21:17EPH 1:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a miraculous quality of life through God's presence. He highlights how the disciples initially knew nothing of this miraculous living until something transformed their lives. The preacher explains that the Christian life is dependent on God's presence and without Him, we can do nothing. The sermon also discusses the story of Jesus feeding the hungry crowd with limited resources, demonstrating that what may seem impossible from a human perspective is possible through God's perspective.
The Shepherd's Touch
By Koos Combrink9941:07:44MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 14:15MRK 6:30MRK 6:34MRK 6:45In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the time of grace that God offers to each individual. He uses the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate how God knows and cares for each person individually. The speaker also highlights Jesus' compassion for the lost and his willingness to leave heaven and give his life for them. The sermon also mentions the feeding of the multitude, where Jesus demonstrates his love and provision for the people. Overall, the message emphasizes the need for individuals to accept God's invitation and not live their lives like lost sheep without a shepherd.
Who Will Feed the Multitudes
By Brian Long83740:47ServiceMAT 6:11MRK 6:34LUK 11:5LUK 11:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering all to God and giving Him everything we have, even if it feels insufficient. He uses the story of the little boy who gave his 5 loaves and 2 fish to Jesus, who then performed the miracle of feeding 5,000 people. The speaker encourages listeners to give their whole hearts to Christ and allow Him to use them for His purposes. He also highlights the need for Christians to share the message of Jesus with others, so that they may come to know Him and desire to have a relationship with Him.
How I Went to the Congo Missionary Message
By William A. Deans79348:32MAT 6:33MAT 9:36MAT 20:1MRK 6:34LUK 10:2LUK 15:4JHN 4:35In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for his family's missionary work and the fact that his daughters are also serving the Lord. He then reads from Matthew 20:1-16, which tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being available for the Lord's work, even in the eleventh hour. He mentions four young people who have chosen to serve the Lord instead of pursuing lucrative careers, highlighting their dedication and sacrifice.
A Shepherd for the Multitude
By Roger Ellsworth71029:07ShepherdMAT 9:36MAT 11:28MAT 14:13MRK 6:34LUK 9:10JHN 6:1In this sermon, the speaker introduces the passage of Mark chapter 6, which focuses on the feeding of the 5,000. The speaker highlights that each Gospel presents this miracle from a different perspective, and in Mark's Gospel, it emphasizes Jesus' shepherdly heart and concern for the people. The speaker encourages the audience, regardless of their current circumstances, to find comfort and encouragement in the message of this passage. The speaker also points out that the feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels, indicating its significance.
The Boy Whose Small Lunch Fed Over 10,000 People
By Ian Paisley65421:21MAT 6:33MRK 6:34LUK 9:10JHN 6:1JHN 6:35In this sermon, the preacher addresses the children in the congregation, emphasizing that the Bible is their book and they should be reading it. He highlights that the Bible contains the greatest stories ever written and that Jesus speaks personally to them through its teachings. The preacher encourages the children to read the Gospels, which are the first four books of the New Testament, as they contain the life stories of Jesus and his miracles. He uses the story of the young lad who offered his lunch of five loaves and two fishes to Jesus as an example of how even something small can become great when touched by Christ.
How to Do the Impossible
By Major Ian Thomas81:13:14Dependence On GodFaithMRK 6:34Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that the Christian life is inherently impossible without God's intervention, using the miracle of feeding the 5,000 as a demonstration of how Jesus operated in total dependence on the Father. He illustrates that both Philip and Andrew struggled to see beyond their limited resources, while a small boy's faith in Jesus made the impossible possible. Thomas challenges believers to recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and to rely on Christ for every situation, asserting that true Christian living is marked by a life that is inexplicable apart from God. He concludes by encouraging the congregation to walk in faith, trusting that with God, all things are possible.
Mark 8:1
By Chuck Smith0Compassion Of ChristDivine MercyPSA 103:13MRK 1:41MRK 5:19MRK 6:34MRK 8:1Chuck Smith emphasizes the compassionate nature of Jesus, illustrating how His tenderness and pity lead to acts of kindness, understanding, and mercy. He highlights various instances where Jesus was moved by the needs of individuals, such as the leper and the man with an unclean spirit, showing that it is often the brokenness and neediness of people that draws Jesus to them. Smith encourages listeners to recognize their own needs and hunger for God, assuring them that Jesus sees their struggles and responds with compassion. The sermon calls for an understanding that our weaknesses can lead to divine encounters with Christ, who is always ready to provide mercy and grace.
Jesus and Compassion
By David Wilkerson0CompassionHealingPSA 86:15LAM 3:22MAT 15:30MAT 15:32MRK 6:34MRK 8:2David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus exemplified God's compassion during His earthly ministry, often moved by the suffering of the people around Him. He reflects on the grief in Christ's heart today due to the ongoing suffering in the world, asserting that God is not indifferent but deeply cares for His children. Wilkerson highlights the miraculous healings Jesus performed, showcasing His willingness to help those in need, and encourages believers to embody this compassion in their own lives. He urges that by presenting ourselves to God, we can be instruments of His compassion and witness the needs around us.
Mark 6:30-44. Christ Feeds Five Thousand With Five Loaves and Two Fish.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 14:14MRK 6:34LUK 12:48JHN 6:12JHN 6:35Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the compassion of Jesus, who sacrificed His own ease to minister to the needs of the people, showing deep care for their spiritual well-being. Jesus, moved with compassion, fed a multitude both physically and spiritually, emphasizing the importance of a faithful ministry and the nourishment of souls. The miracle of feeding the multitude with a few loaves and fish symbolized Jesus giving His flesh for the life of the world, highlighting the significance of His sacrifice. Jesus' command to gather the leftover fragments teaches us to value every work of God and not waste the provisions He provides, especially the heavenly bread of His word.
The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry
By Gilbert Tennent0MAT 23:27MRK 6:34JHN 10:1ROM 10:141CO 12:312CO 11:141TH 5:212TI 2:2Gilbert Tennent preaches about the importance of having faithful ministers who are true shepherds to the flock, contrasting them with ungodly ministers who are like Pharisees, focusing on pride, policy, malice, ignorance, covetousness, and bigotry. He emphasizes the need for compassion towards those who lack faithful ministry, urging prayers for God to send forth faithful laborers. Tennent encourages seeking greater spiritual nourishment and growth by choosing to hear from ministers who provide edification, even if it means going beyond one's parish. He warns against the dangers and unprofitableness of following unconverted ministers, highlighting the importance of discernment and the duty to seek true spiritual guidance.
They Have Beautiful Symmetry and Proportion.
By Jonathan Edwards0MAT 5:4MRK 6:34GAL 6:2EPH 4:221JN 2:6Jonathan Edwards preaches about the distinction between truly gracious and holy affections versus false ones, emphasizing the beautiful symmetry and proportion found in the sanctification of believers. He highlights how the saints, having the image of Christ upon them, exhibit a harmonious balance in their various graces and affections, unlike the disproportionate and inconsistent affections of hypocrites. Edwards also discusses the importance of genuine sorrow and mourning for sin in the lives of true saints, contrasting it with the lack of uniformity and essential deficiencies in the religious affections of hypocrites.
The Ministry of Healing
By Stanley H. Frodsham0ISA 58:8MAT 17:20MRK 6:34MRK 16:17JHN 14:12ACT 1:1ACT 19:11EPH 6:12HEB 13:8JAS 5:14Stanley H. Frodsham shares powerful testimonies of Smith Wigglesworth's unwavering faith in the healing power of Jesus Christ. Wigglesworth's ministry was marked by miraculous healings, deliverances from demonic oppression, and resurrections from the dead, all through the authority of the name of Jesus. His audacious faith and compassion for the afflicted led to countless lives being transformed and restored, demonstrating the truth of John 14:12 that believers will do even greater works than Jesus. Despite facing opposition and criticism, Wigglesworth remained steadfast, always attributing the miracles to Jehovah the healer and emphasizing the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Much people, etc. - See this miracle explained on Mat 14:14 (note), etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And Jesus, when he came out of the ship--having gone on shore. saw much people--a great multitude. and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd--At the sight of the multitudes who had followed Him by land and even got before Him, He was so moved, as was His wont in such cases, with compassion, because they were like shepherdless sheep, as to forego both privacy and rest that He might minister to them. Here we have an important piece of information from the Fourth Evangelist (Joh 6:4), "And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh"--rather, "Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was nigh." This accounts for the multitudes that now crowded around Him. They were on their way to keep that festival at Jerusalem. But Jesus did not go up to this festival, as John expressly tells us, (Joh 7:1) --remaining in Galilee, because the ruling Jews sought to kill Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus, when he came out,.... Of the ship, and was got ashore, saw much people; who came partly from the places where he came from, and partly from the cities and towns adjacent: and was moved with compassion towards them; See Gill on Mat 14:14, the reason follows, because they were as sheep, not having a shepherd. Christ observed, that they were hungering and thirsting after the word of righteousness, and had no faithful, spiritual pastors to feed them with knowledge and understanding; for the Scribes and Pharisees were blind guides, and shepherds that could not understand; so that the people were ready to perish for lack of knowledge, not having any spiritual comfort and refreshment under their ministry: hence they followed Christ, wherever he went, with great zeal and fervency, earnestly desiring the bread of life: this moved his compassion, so that though his view in coming to this place was retirement, and that his disciples might have some rest and refreshment, and might solace themselves in private conversation with him, and each other; yet postponing private advantage to public good, instead of reproving them for giving him this fresh trouble, kindly and tenderly received them: and he began to teach them many things; relating to the kingdom of God, the Gospel dispensation, the doctrines and ordinances of it; things relating to their spiritual and eternal welfare, the comfort, and salvation of their immortal souls: and he dwelt long upon these subjects, because he found they were very ignorant, and needed instruction, and were very desirous of it; as well as healed all such of bodily diseases that stood in need thereof; of which Matthew only takes notice, Mat 14:14; as Mark only of doctrine; but Luke mentions both doctrine and miracles of healing, Luk 9:11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:34 they were like sheep without a shepherd: God’s people need a shepherd (Num 27:16-17; 1 Kgs 22:17; 2 Chr 18:16; see Jer 13:10; Ezek 34:23). Teaching people God’s word is compared to feeding sheep in Jewish literature (e.g., Ezek 34:1-24; 2 Baruch 77:13-15).