We are at a site on the Sea of Galilee that is similar to where Jesus fed the 5000. The following is an except from a Thought for the Day
The crowds had gathered. There were 5000 men in the crowd, conservatively figuring, there was somewhere between 10-15,000 people, including the women and children, possibly as many as 25,000, who had come to see and hear Jesus. Jesus did not have to advertise to attract a huge crowd. Word had spread that His teaching was refreshing after all the rules that their religious leaders had piled on them. And word had spread around the countryside about this Man from God who heals the sick, casts demons out of the possessed, cleanses lepers, heals the paralyzed, restores sight to the blind.
All during the day Jesus and His 12 disciples gave themselves to the crowd, because the crowd was hungry. . . they were hungry for healing. . .hungry for help. . .and hungry for hope. Are you hungry for the healing of your broken body? Healing of your broken marriage? Healing of your broken family? Healing of your broken dreams? Healing of your broken life? Healing of a broken friendship?
Are you hungry for help with your finances? with your work situation? with your chaotic life? Are you hungry for hope? Hope to find the meaning of life? Hope to fill the emptiness inside? Hope in finding Love that is uncompromised and unfailing?
Eventually the crowds become hungry for food. Jesus miraculously feeds this huge crowd with just 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish. All the people eat and are satisfied. Jesus took control of the situation and met their need. Why not let Jesus have control of your situation and allow Him to meet your need?
“That crowd of Jews would have followed Christ at that moment because He was giving them what they wanted [bread], and they wished to use Him for their plans and dreams and purposes. That attitude to Christ still lingers in men’s minds. We would like Christ’s gifts without Christ’s Cross; we would like to use Christ instead of allowing Him to use us. ” … William Barclay (1907-1978), The Gospel of John (Vol. 1)
Are you a half-hearted follower of Jesus? When have you followed Him because it’s convenient? Because you think you will have a life of ease? Because you think you will receive what you want? How do you “use” Jesus for your own advancement or purposes? Would God say you are more eager to use Him than to be used by Him? We all have trouble dying to ourselves, why not ask Jesus to answer the following prayer: “Lord, may you become greater in my life. . . and may I become less.” (John 3:31)
Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger
