GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 6:36
Be Practical
Shopping recently, I had the choice of purchasing two different brands of laundry detergent—a nationally recognized brand or a so-called “store brand.” The price difference between the two was significant, so, being practical, I purchased the store brand. The same choice arose when purchasing a can of beans. Being practical, I chose the less expensive store brand because I’ve tried both and could detect no difference in the taste—admittedly, not an assessment with which everyone agrees.
Practicality is a valuable asset—if the roof leaks, patch it; if you’re swamped with tasks, make a priority list; if you are selecting a college major, choose one with strong job prospects; to avoid burnout, take a break; and if the computer is not working, check connections or restart it before carrying it to the repair shop.
After a busy ministry tour, Jesus wanted his disciples to go away with him to a deserted place for rest. People saw their boat slowly sailing its way eastward and went on foot to the boat’s destination. It was likely late in the afternoon when Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, east of the Jordan River, and there was a huge crowd awaiting them. Rather than sailing away or rebuking the crowd, Jesus began to minister to and teach them. “And when the hour was late, his disciples came to him and said to him, ‘This place is desolate and the hour is already late. Release them so that they may go away into the surrounding fields and villages, and they might buy for themselves what they might eat.’” (Mark 6:35-36)
The disciples are certainly not to be criticized for making a practical suggestion. Feeding the 5,000 men, not counting women and children, would have taken more than 250 denarii—eight months’ wages—about $28,800 today. There may have been as many as, say, 12,000 people. If they had gone to a local McDonald’s—I know, but follow the analogy—and purchased the $5 McChicken Meal Deal—no sausage or bacon for this crowd—the cost would have been $64,500, including tax and a generous tip for the stunned staff.
There’s no criticism for being practical. For the disciples, though, it was on the threshold of a great teaching opportunity.
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