May 16 - You Feed Them

Read: Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14

But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." (Luke 9:13 ESV)

Jesus was withdrawing to a secluded area to speak with his disciples following their return from being sent out to preach. But the crowds always learned where Jesus was, they always followed him, he always welcomed them, he always taught them, and he always healed them.

Jesus taught the people all day long. But the disciples were not as compassionate toward the crowds as Christ was. They wanted Jesus to send the people away. Jesus replied by commanding his followers to feed the crowds. Why did Jesus tell the apostles to feed the gathering? I think it was to force them to acknowledge their own inability, which they did.

When we position ourselves to acknowledge our inability, God will position us to be a conduit or agent for His immeasurable ability. When they recognized their weakness Jesus showed his power. When the apostles decided to obey is when the miraculous happened. Jesus satisfies those who realize their need for him. Jesus is always more than enough.