Hey, We Get to Help!

August 9, 2017

Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)
Matthew 15:32-39
Psalm 78:1-8, 17-29
This week’s sermon text: Romans 1:18-21

Field Notes
Imagine the scene: thousands of people gathered in the wilderness to listen to this amazing young preacher, Jesus. They’ve been with him – spellbound – for three days. But now the food they brought with them is beginning to run out. Jesus, ever tuned in to the people around him, realizes that the crowd will soon run out of food and they are miles away from their homes. He turns to his disciples and comments on this dilemma. The disciples are understandably puzzled. What does Jesus expect them to do about the hungry throng? Yet he asks them how much food they have, and they answer, “Seven loaves and some fish.”

Jesus, who clearly doesn’t need the disciples’ help (after all, if he can make seven loaves of bread and a few fish feed thousands of people, he could have done it with anything), asked for their help anyway. He asked them to contribute the food. He performed the miracle of multiplication but he gave the disciples the job of distributing the food. He included them in his miracle of provision and grace.

Jesus is still in the business of asking us to join him in his gracious provision of food, shelter, and resources for our fellow men and women. What an honor and privilege!

Questions for the Field

• Where is Jesus calling you to provide help to those in need?
• How do you feel about being in partnership with Him?

Family Field Talk

Ask your family if you could collect food – like canned goods, peanut butter, and cereal – to share with a local food bank like GraceWorks or Second Harvest.
How does it feel to know that you are helping Jesus to feed hungry people.

Prayer Guide
Loving Father, thank you for allowing us to help you provide food and other resources to those who are hungry and in need. Help us to recognize your promptings to help you meet their needs. Amen.