8/2/20

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.

The crowds have come a long way to this solitary place. They have come to see and hear His lesson, each for their own reason. Now Jesus calls His disciples to care for them. It is a huge and seemingly impossible task, how could it be enough?

The disciples give what they have, meager as it is, to Jesus and as He blesses it and has them serve the people, it becomes enough for everyone. That’s how God’s love works, we bring what we have to Him and He makes it enough.

Jesus performs this miracle to teach the people of God’s love and care for them. It reminds them of how God led them and fed them in the desert years before. God still leads and feeds us today. Bring what you have to Him and know He will make it enough.

Loving Lord, when we are lost and hungry, You send Your love to save us. Help us to be part of Your work in the world, finding those who need Your love most. Amen.

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