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13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to the heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

 

This is a very familiar story and easy to read over quickly as most of us have heard it many times. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that Jesus teaches us so many lessons here. The first lesson is about compassion and prioritizing the needs of others. Jesus is exhausted and seeking solitude after the death of John the Baptist and instead of turning the crowds away his heart is moved by the needs of the people.

The second lesson is about the power of God. While the disciples are looking at feeding the massive crowd with only five loaves and two fish they are seeing the situation through human limitation. The miracle is that in God’s hands what is seemingly inadequate offerings God transformed them into more than enough.

And the final lesson hits home, a call to all to participate. Jesus told his disciples “You give them something to eat”. God often chooses to work though His followers. As His followers WE are challenged to bring whatever resources, talents, or time we have to be used for the benefit of others and the kingdom of God. We are called and blessed to be messengers of our Lord and to share Christ’s compassion and the Good News with our neighbors, families and friends. Often for me that is easier said than done. This scripture reminds me to not lose sight of whose I am.

Heavenly Father, Help us to hear the lessons you have for us and to learn what you have so graciously laid out for us.

Sharon Rhodes

sharonrhodes76@hotmail.com

 

Prayer Concern - Those who are in need of resources, that we reach out to help them through the guidance of your Holy Spirit.

Additional scriptures: Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145: 8-9, Romans 9:1-5