Feeding the Five Thousand

November 4, 2019

DAILY READINGS

Matthew 14:13-21
This weekend’s scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

FIELD NOTES

The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle that is found in all 4 Gospels.It happened at the conclusion of a seminar Jesus conducted on discipleship.As the hour grew late, the disciples noted that the people were famished. When the disciples assessed the need against their limited resources, they concluded that the best thing to do was to “send them away.” Let them fend for themselves. What do you do in a world of need, when the hour is late and the day is spent? The disciples said, “send them away.” Furthermore, they said, “We have nothing!” But that wasn’t true. They had something. It wasn’t much. But it was something. 5 loaves and 2 fish is not nothing.

But in their eyes, it wasn’t enough! Sometimes when we think we can’t do everything, we don’t do anything! But Jesus said, “Bring me what you have.”

What do you have that Jesus can use? Jesus is not looking for you to win the lottery, and then share the abundance. Sometimes I hear folk say, “If I ever win the lottery, I’m gonna do this, or that!” But we are not responsible for what we don’t have. We are responsible with what we do have! I remember a song we used to sing when I was a boy. “Little is much when God is in it.” It’s true!

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What gift do you have to offer Jesus, and how do you share it for the benefit of others?
• How are you intentional in sharing your spiritual and financial gifts for God’s purpose?
• We seem to have a bad habit of minimizing our gifts, why do we do that?

PRAYER GUIDE

God, help me to see my challenges as opportunities for your grace to work through me, knowing that the greatest blessing in life is to be one. In Jesus’ name, Amen.