Mark 6:34-44 (NIV)
34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late.
36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”
37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”
38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”
39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.
40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.
41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.
42 They all ate and were satisfied,
43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.
44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Reflection:
- Compassion of Jesus: The passage begins with Jesus seeing a large crowd and feeling compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). This highlights Jesus' deep empathy and care for people, recognizing their spiritual and physical needs.
- Provision and Abundance: Despite having only five loaves and two fish (Mark 6:38), Jesus miraculously multiplies the food to feed the entire crowd. This demonstrates God's ability to provide abundantly, even when resources seem scarce. It reminds us to trust in God's provision and to have faith that He can meet our needs.
- Involvement of the Disciples: Jesus involves His disciples in the miracle by asking them to distribute the food (Mark 6:41). This shows that God often works through people to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to be willing participants in God's work, even when we feel inadequate.
- Gratitude and Blessing: Before distributing the food, Jesus gives thanks and blesses it (Mark 6:41). This act of gratitude is a reminder for us to always give thanks for what we have, no matter how little it may seem. It also shows the importance of seeking God's blessing in all that we do.
- Leftovers: After everyone had eaten and was satisfied, there were twelve baskets of leftovers (Mark 6:43). This abundance of leftovers signifies that God's provision is not just sufficient but overflowing. It reassures us that God’s blessings are more than enough to meet our needs.
This passage invites us to reflect on God's compassion, provision, and the importance of gratitude. It encourages us to trust in God's ability to provide and to be active participants in His work.
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