Numbers 17-19 Mark 6:30-56

“But Jesus answered, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They said to him, ‘We would all have to work a month to earn enough money to buy that much bread!’” (Mark 6:37 NCV)

It had been a long day of work for Jesus and the disciples. The crowds gathered around and demanded their attention. It was so bad that they couldn’t get away to eat. So, they took off in a boat, trying to go to the other side of the lake. People recognized the boat and ran around the lake so they could meet Jesus and company when they landed, and more joined them. That’s when Jesus began teaching. He taught them until late in the day. The disciples, concerned about the people, suggested that Jesus send them away so they could search the surrounding villages for some fast food. That’s when Jesus shocked them to the core and told them to provide food for the people. To make a long story short, they told Jesus it couldn’t be done. Jesus laughed at them and arranged to feed 5000 men, plus women and children with five loaves and two fishes.

On one of my visits to Rwanda, the pastor of the church there preached a sermon about the need to be a two-handed Christian. With one hand we reach out to people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news that salvation is available to all who will accept God’s gift. With the other hand we reach out and meet needs. Jesus exemplified that kind of ministry when He told the disciples to care for the people. Our call from God is that we, ourselves are supposed to meet needs. We don’t wait for government assistance to help people, we don’t push them off on someone else. The words of Jesus ring in our ears: “You give them something to eat.” We’ve been given much so that we might give much to help others. Find a way to meet needs today.

Lord, there are so many hurting, hungry, and needy people in this world. I can’t help them all, but with Your help, I can help some. Give me wisdom and lead me to people that I can help.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.