Christian Living

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Mark 6, Matt 14 and Luke 9 relate the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, well actually, about twenty thousand. It happened like this and it has some basic lessons for us. Christ was trying to get away and have a little quality time with the 12, but the multitude saw which way they went, and were waiting when Jesus landed. When He saw them, Christ had compassion because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Our first lesson is that compassion is the correct motivator for Christian service. Not compulsion, energy, guilt, pride or control is the proper reason to help others, but a love for those who Christ died for. Jesus sacrificed His precious blood to save sinners, and one look at the cross should change our heart and fill us with compassion.

When it was late in the day the disciples assessed the situation and made a suggestion to Jesus – that He dismiss the people so they could go buy food in the nearby villages. Christ accepted half of their idea, that it was time for food, so we see it is ok for believers to suggest ideas to the Master. This is our second point, that at times the work needs smart proposals or adjustments to what is being done. God gave us brains so we could use them – there is nothing wrong with a little thinking. Where Christ surprised the twelve was He said that they should feed the throng – twelve men should feed twenty thousand people!

All over the world there are vast needs crying out for believers to get busy and demonstrate the compassion of Jehovah. Everywhere humans have necessities like sheep without shepherds. As Christ said to them, He would say to us, “You give them something to eat!” God expects believers to get involved and assist when there are crisis situations or needs to be met. Yahweh has a heart of love and He expects us to show that heart to the world. The disciples asked if Jesus wanted them to spend their money to buy bread, and He said no. Jesus asked how many loaves they had – take an inventory to see what you have to meet the current need. This was the third step, to assess their strengths in light of the requirement. See what you have to work with, what talents or assets are available. Take stock of the situation.

Fourthly, they brought the loaves and fishes they had to Jesus and He handled it from there. They dedicated what they had to Him and He made it fit the situation. Jesus performed the miracle by multiplying five loaves and two fishes to feed twenty-thousand hungry people. The twelve assisted by handing out the pieces Jesus gave to them. They gave food to the 20,000 – Christ didn’t walk around to all twenty-thousand, the disciples passed on to the famished what Jesus gave them. Humans assisted divinity and folks were blessed.

Lastly, the twelve didn’t have to do Christ’s work. They made suggestions and then did as He instructed them, but it wasn’t up to them to make the final decision. We aren’t responsible for the results – just to listen and obey God. We don’t have to figure it all out or understand what He is doing. In fact, we don’t have to figure anything out, just how to follow orders. He is responsible for the final result, that’s His job. The Almighty is the king and supervisor – that is His role – and He does it wonderfully.

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