Problem Solved

Mark 6:30-44

INTRODUCTION: We like to think that there are four types of people in the world: (1) those who cause problems, (2) those who recognize problems, (3) those who bring problems to others’ attention, and (4) those who solve problems. Oftentimes, from our perspective, the first of these is problematic and the rest rightfully within the will of God. The Bible being our authority, we will find these preconceptions to be quite inaccurate.

I. THE INCONVENIENCE BEGUN (Mark 6:30-33)

A. The Labour of the Apostles (Mark 6:30)

1. The report given (Mark 6:30)
2. The labour stated (Mark 6:7-13)

B. The Recommendation of the Saviour (Mark 6:31)

1. The recommendation of seclusion—“Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place”
2. The recommendation of rest—“rest a while”
3. The recommendation of nourishment—“they had no leisure so much as to eat”

C. The Efforts of the Apostles (Mark 6:32-33)

1. The apostles departed privately (Mark 6:32).
2. The multitudes went out after the Lord (Mark 6:33).

II. THE PROBLEMS RECOGNIZED (Mark 6:34-36)

A. The First Problem (Mark 6:34)

1. The problem
a. Much people had followed.
b. The people were as sheep not having a shepherd.
2. The reaction—“he…was moved with compassion toward them”
3. The solution—“he began to teach them many things”

B. The Second Problem (Mark 6:35-36)

1. The problem (Mark 6:35-36)
a. The day was far spent (Mark 6:35).
b. The place was a desert place (Mark 6:35).
c. The people had nothing to eat (Mark 6:36).
2. The reaction (Mark 6:35-36)
a. Take the problem to someone else (Mark 6:35).
b. Send the problem away (Mark 6:36).
1.) The people can go elsewhere.
2.) The people can buy themselves bread.

III. THE PROBLEM SOLVED (Mark 6:37-44)

A. The Call for Personal Involvement (Mark 6:37)

1. The shift of responsibility—“Give ye them to eat”
2. The slight of responsibility
a. Shall we go and buy 200 pennyworth of bread
b. And give them to eat

B. The Instruction for Personal Involvement (Mark 6:38-40)

1. What do you have (Mark 6:38)?
2. Prepare for the solution (Mark 6:39-40).

C. The Need for Heavenly Involvement (Mark 6:41)

1. After they had done what they could
2. Christ took their efforts and looked to heaven.
3. The disciples divided the food.

D. The Benefit of Personal Involvement (Mark 6:42-44)

1. The people (5,000 men) ate and were filled (Mark 6:42, 44).
2. Twelve basket of fragments were gathered (Mark 6:43).

CONCLUSION: Are you a problem identifier? Do you run from problems? Or do you face problems and do your best to be part of the solution?