Read the Word:
Mark 6:35-44
Meditate on the Word:
Of course we know this narrative well. Jesus fed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes. Bible scholars and preachers have analyzed this passage from every angle, noting that only the men were counted and the real number was much higher, making the miracle, if possible, more astounding. They have analyzed the fact that there were twelve baskets of leftovers, forcing the disciples to each carry a reminder of the Lord’s miracle. There is also often the reminder that, while the disciples wanted to send the people away, Jesus welcomed them. And all these things are true.
What seems to be tempting to overlook is just exactly how Jesus worked His disciples into this miracle. Pay attention to verse 41. “Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people.” Jesus did not hand the bread and fish to thousands of people individually. Nor did he pass a tray down the aisle for people to pull their own food out of. He gave to the disciples so that they could give the people something to eat, the thing that He had already commanded them in verse 37. The point: Our Lord always equips us fully to obey Him.
Pray the Word:
Confess your trust in the Lord that He will equip you for the work He has called you to do. Then, do the work.
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