This story appears in all four gospels and is one of the best known. The apostles had just returned from their "mission trip". They told Jesus all that they had done and taught. No doubt they were feeling rather pleased and excited, presumably having seen some people healed and others delivered, as well as giving Jesus' teaching. They may also have been rather tired.
As always the crowds were gathering around Jesus. Jesus was aware of the disciples' need for both rest and to feedback on how things had gone, and to receive from Him. So He told them to come with Him to a quite place. However, it proved impossible for them to get any peace, for the crowds saw them and followed them.
Jesus was aware of His disciples' needs, but also had compassion for the people, who were "like sheep without a shepherd". So He taught them. Notice again the importance of teaching.
Later in the day the disciples came to Jesus and suggested that He send the people away. They wrapped this suggestion up in concern for the people, saying it was so they could go and get food. In reality this may well have just been an excuse.
Jesus had other ideas. He told the disciples to give the people something to eat. This, of course, was an impossible thing to do, humanly speaking. Jesus asked them what food they had, the answer was five loaves and two fish. Jesus then instructed them to get the people organised and to distribute the food. As we now know, everyone was fed and there was lots left over.
No comments:
Post a Comment