August 17, 2023 - Have you ever had some unexpected dinner guests appear at the last minute? That is what happens to Jesus and the disciples in Mark chapter 6. Herod had executed John the Baptist and Jesus and the disciple were doing their best to get to a secluded place to be alone. They were weary and tired from the teaching and healing being done. Their lives were busy and hectic and they needed a little time to relax.
Yet, it is on this occasion we find Jesus taking 5 loaves and 2 fish and feeding 5,000 men. But, I want us to notice the question Jesus asked them in Mark 6:38. He asked, “how many loaves have ye?”. It was as much as to say, “are your resources sufficient?”
Rest assured that Jesus was not asking for information. He also was not asking because he couldn’t feed the multitude without their loaves. What he was doing was trying to teach them and us a lesson. He wanted his disciples in that far off day and he wants us to know today that Jesus will bless others through us. He wanted those disciples to know they must be willing to use what they have. We also must be willing to use what we have.
You see, what we have must be given into His hands. We are to use our strength, our tongue and our heart. We are to use our material means. We are to be the earthen vessels in the service of Jesus. Jesus asks us today, “how many loaves have ye?” Are we using what we have, the talents He has given us, in His service?
It’s something to think about... tbp
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