Have you ever wondered about the candid, brutally unflattering depiction of the Exodus story? If I were writing an origin story about my people, I would make it about the heroic exploits of a people seeking freedom. But there is no triumph or inspiring national narrative. What we have is an uncompromisingly honest account of a people who grumble, are fearful, repeatedly unfaithful, full of doubt, and want to go back. Even Moses is shown as reluctant. Perhaps it is written this way to emphasise that the true agent of deliverance is God rather than the people themselves.

Likewise, if I were describing myself, sheep is not something I would use. Sheep do not strike me as an animal that takes the initiative, has agency, or is brave. Describing the crowd as sheep suggests that Israel, while now in the promised land, is still in exile and requires ultimate deliverance from bondage. Mark is showing us that Jesus is the deliverer of Israel. Jesus has heard their cries and takes pity on them.

When I am tempted to think of myself as other than a sheep, I need to remind myself that it is only sheep that have shepherds. Once I am something other than a sheep, there is no need of a shepherd (but my ‘wants’ start to multiply!). I also know that sheep need other sheep – the flock. As God delivered Israel, we are delivered through Jesus, and God ‘makes you complete in everything good so that you may do his will.’ (Hebrew 13:21.)

 by Paul Asnicar