(You) give them something to eat
(Read Luke 9:10-17)
One of the most popular Biblical miracles was when Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000. It is not known exactly if the Gospel writers meant 5,000 people or 5,000 men. Some scholars believe Jesus could have fed as many as 10,000 – 20,000 people. This miracle is included in each of the four Gospels. There are many lessons nested inside this miracle, but it’s important to recognize that none of the Gospel writers mentioned how Jesus fed the multitude.
Jesus had just heard the news about John the Baptist who was brutally murdered by King Herod. He took his disciples to Bethsaida probably for some solitude, “…but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.”
Not too many people can experience the death of a family member and turn around and entertain a crowd of strangers. The multitude needed Jesus for a lot of reasons. While Jesus desired to be alone, he received and welcomed them. His show of love was a giant act of mercy and grace. Most of us would react like the “Twelve” disciples and try to usher them away. The disciples told Jesus that there wasn’t enough food or accommodations for the crowd.
He replied, “You give them something to eat.”
This line of Scripture is a huge and powerful statement. In Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples not to let the crowd leave. He not only knew how things would turn out, but he also wanted to test the disciples — to show them that through Jesus, they could feed the large crowd. By themselves, the disciples were inadequate to help. Through Christ, they could be the conduit to feed this hungry group of people. In his commentary, Matthew Henry wrote, “The blessing of Christ will make a little go a great way. He fills every hungry soul, abundantly satisfies it with the goodness of his house”.
Could Jesus’ direction to feed the crowd, also be a larger command to all of us to feed the hungry?
In several books in the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as “Rabbi” or teacher. Jesus used events, miracles, and parables to teach his disciples and every member of his church. By ordering his disciples to feed rather than dismiss the multitude, he showed them that the needs of others are met through him. In the four Gospel accounts of this miracle, the disciples apparently stressed the importance of the headcount. While Jesus focused on making sure that everyone in the crowd got fed.
Application:
- “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” Was this last verse reflective of the fact that Jesus wanted the site cleaned up? Was Jesus worried about the food getting spoiled? Or was Jesus making a point about being deliberate with our precious God-given resources?
- The remaining food in the baskets were remnants of provisions that were touched by Christ’s hands. Jesus might have wanted his disciples to understand that Jesus’ leftovers are more valuable than they realize.
Takeaways:
- Even when things aren’t going well, how do you treat other people? Do your personal interactions depend upon your mood? Can you be more Christlike and do your best to welcome people who need you even when you want to be alone?
- Are you sympathetic to the needy and hungry? Do you do anything to help? Consider volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating to an organization who ministers or feeds needy people.
- Do you recognize that by ourselves we are inadequate to do big things than we are through the power of Jesus Christ? Surrender your ego and self-control to Christ, welcome him and his help into your life.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.