You Feed Them

When we hear the story of 5 loaves and 2 fishes providing for a crowd of 5,000 plus people, we can be distracted by the numbers. Jesus and his disciples are grieving the recent execution of John the Baptist. They must have been exhausted in so many ways. They ask Jesus to disperse the crowd since they lack resources to feed.

Picture the scene. Jesus heals. Jesus teaches about the abundance of God being enough. Then Jesus sends them away??? No. Jesus refuses their request and commands them, “You give them something to eat.” God will provide. They offer their reputations and what they hold in their hands for the sake of the crowd. Faithful, even reluctant, compassion nevertheless brings healing and satisfaction.

May we also trust that whatever God provides will be enough. Not only for us, but for those we serve, courageously with compassion, despite uncertainty. Thanks be to God.