February 23

Last Minute Dinner Plans

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:1-8 | Leviticus 14:1-57 | Mark 6:30-56 | Proverbs 10:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 6:30-56

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 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” (Mark 6:35-37 NIV). 

Had they been paying attention? Were they ready for a big test? It was time to find out. Jesus saw an overwhelming situation and decided to test the faith of his young disciples.

Jesus had demonstrated his authority over nature, sickness, demons and even death. The disciples had been in the company of one that found no task impossible. Once again, Jesus and the disciples face a seemingly impossible task: feeding 5000 people with a few fish and loaves of bread. This time, Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “You give them something to eat.”

Jesus didn’t immediately offer to do it. He gave the disciples an opportunity to deal with the overwhelming situation first. They immediately recognized how impossible it would be to feed such a big crowd. They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 

Then Jesus steps in and again reminds them who he is. No circumstances are too overwhelming for Jesus. He takes the limited resources at hand—five loaves and two fish—and feeds thousands with basketfuls left over.

We too find ourselves in overwhelming circumstances some times.  Our resources seem limited. But in the hands of Jesus, no task is too big; no problem too overwhelming.

What opportunities before you seem overwhelming? Where do your resources seem limited? Take it all to Jesus and watch him work the impossible.

Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching me to trust you. I know that nothing is impossible with you. I know that amazing things happen in your kingdom. So now, as I feel overwhelmed by the opportunities, help me to seek your Kingdom and your righteousness, and join you in the work you’ve asked me to do fully expecting you to provide all that is needed. Amen.