Then he directed them all to sit down in groups on the green grass.
Mark 6:39 NET
The gospel writers were not writing a story to entertain their readers. Everything they included in their gospel accounts tells us something about Jesus, who he was, and what he had come to do. And that includes this little tidbit about Jesus having the crowd sit down in groups on the green grass. This note about the green grass was not just a random detail. Instead, it is likely a reference to something else–something that helps to identify Jesus.
Jesus had taken his disciples to an isolated place so they could rest. But the crowds followed them even there. Mark tells us that Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Mk. 6:34). They were spiritually hungry, and their religious leaders had failed to feed them. So Jesus did. He became their shepherd and taught them many things. He taught them about the kingdom of God, feeding them spiritually. And then he fed them physically.
As we read this account of Jesus feeding a crowd, Mark wants us to identify Jesus as the shepherd of Psalm 23. Jesus had them sit down on the green grass and then fed them until they were satisfied (Mk. 6:42-43). Just like the good shepherd of Psalm 23, who led his sheep into lush pastures (Ps. 23:1) and prepared a feast for them (Ps. 23:5). The crowd feasted that day, first on Jesus’ words, then on the bread and fish that he provided for them.
Jesus feeds and cares for his sheep, providing us with all we need. He will lead us along our life’s journey, guiding us in the way we should go. And when we follow him, we do not need to fear, no matter the circumstances, because he is standing watch over us and will protect us from the evil one. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
