13As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.14Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.15That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”
17“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.
18“Bring them here,” he said.19Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.20They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.21About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
There are so many miracle stories in the Bible it can become easy to take them for granted. When that happens, say a prayer and read them again.
The greatest part of this miracle, at least for me today, is the situation. Jesus had just been told that his cousin, friend, and the person God had sent to prepare Israel for their Messiah, had been beheaded. He wanted some time alone and took off in a boat. But when he arrived on the other side of the lake, the crowds were already waiting for him. There would be no time for reflection, mourning, or even resting. No, Jesus’ work must push forward at almost break-neck speed toward his own death. Jesus steps off the boat, accepts the work his Father puts before him, and goes on giving, healing, and feeding.
Jesus, help me to be so selfless. Help me to live a life of service and giving without a thought of my own trials and burdens. Teach me the urgency of whatever Your mission is for me. Let my life be like one of the loaves of bread that You broke and shared and fed the crowds with. Beginner’s Online Bible Study *obbs*
When was the last time God asked you to forget yourself and just give?
How did the situation turn out?
