Green Pastures in a Desolate Place The Kingdom in the Wilderness: Mark 6 Explained | #46

A wilderness, five thousand hungry people, and a Shepherd who provides.

In this episode of Not Yet Now, Zach, Jill, and Brandon dive into Mark 6 and the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. More than a story about multiplying bread and fish, this moment reveals the heart of God, the mission of Jesus, and the abundance of the Kingdom breaking into a desolate place.

Why does Jesus lead his disciples into the wilderness, a place of scarcity, only to meet them there with overflowing provision? What does this miracle reveal about His compassion, His teaching, and His role as the Good Shepherd? And how does it connect to the Exodus, Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23, and the greater story of God dwelling with His people?

The conversation explores:

• The “desolate place” as wilderness language, echoing Israel’s journey.

• Jesus fulfilling Old Testament prophecies as the true Shepherd of His people.

• The abundance of God’s Kingdom breaking through scarcity.

• The importance of Jesus’ teaching before the miracle of provision.

• How eschatology—our view of the end—shapes how we live in the present.

• Why the desert becomes Eden when the King is present.

The feeding of the five thousand is not just about physical bread; it’s about the Shepherd who restores, provides, and brings rest to His people. In Christ, scarcity becomes abundance, wilderness becomes green pasture, and every desolate place overflows with life.