Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:13-21
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
How do we know when we have enough? If there is a price tag on something we wish to buy, we see if our wallet has that much cash or our credit limit will handle the amount. If we buy that item, will it satisfy our need? The concept of “enough” is a difficult one for humans.
Jesus tells us not to worry, that through Him there will be truly enough. The Apostle Paul writes “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). This doesn’t mean that all our needs will be magically fulfilled, but that when we work with Him in faith, the needs of the world can be met, just as the needs of the people were in this lesson.
Part of this teaching is to show us that our needs are more simple and not as pressing as we often think. We have learned much about “enough” during this time of uncertainty and concern for the well-being of our communities. There were shortages and worry about how our needs would be met, but we also discovered how much we need one another and how connected we are. Let us continue to be “enough” for each other as we trust in the Lord to use us for His work.
Wise and wonderful God, You have created all things for us and provide for us through our connection to You and each other. Help us to see the needs of those around us that we may be Your love in action in our world. Amen.