We join the story of the apostles after Jesus had sent them out…
They were eager to tell their rabbi about “all they had done and taught,” but “many people” made conversation impossible. So Jesus called them away with Him for some “quiet … and rest”—some intimate time with Him.
They went away, but yet again the crowds followed. Jesus, moved by “compassion,” began teaching. For the tired disciples, keen to share with their Lord, personal time with Jesus would have to wait.
It got late. With all the people still around, the disciples, thinking practically, wondered if their time alone with Jesus was near. They encouraged Him to “send the people away so they can go . . . and buy something to eat.”
But Jesus answered with a challenge: “You give them something to eat.” What? They had no food to feed the crowds. They had just returned from their assignment. They had stories to tell and were longing to hear, “Well done.” They were tired. And now He wanted them to do more.
To do what? Feed how many? Impossible! Then Jesus asked them to look again (verse 38). What do you have? Not much—just five loaves and two fish. Jesus gave them directions, and they obeyed (verses 39–40).
The disciples gave Him all that they had, even when they thought the little they had was not enough. He took it into His hands, lifted it to Heaven, gave thanks, and broke it. The results were incredible, immeasurably more that the disciples dreamed or imagined.
I encourage you to put yourself, like the loaves and fish, into Jesus’ hands. He will lift you—all that you are and all that you have—before the Father (Romans 8:34).
He will give thanks for you and delight in you (Zephaniah 3:17). He may break you. He will break your heart with the things that break His. He will use you to feed the hungry and to build His kingdom (Mark 6:37).
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” —Mark 6:30–31, NIV
Prayer: Jesus, we place ourselves in your hands. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Louise Bland works as a Supporter Engagement Manager for Compassion UK.
Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.