“The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’ But he answered them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ And they said to him, ‘Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?’ And he said to them, ‘How many loaves do you have? Go and see.’ And when they had found out, they said, ‘Five, and two fish.’ Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.” Mark 6:30-44 (Context: Mark 6:7-44)
We find the disciples knee-deep in the work of proclaiming Jesus’ teaching. They are exhausted, famished. Jesus calls them to come away and rest. However, the crowds catch wind of their plan and run to get there ahead of them. Alas, no rest for the exhausted disciples. Jesus has compassion on the crowds because they are wandering, in need of a leader. He teaches them through supper time. The disciples suggest Jesus send them away to buy food. “No,” Jesus tells them, “you feed them.’’
This is the moment when I can relate most to the disciples. My calling is before me: feed them, hold them, change the diapers, help with homework, listen, be patient, fold the laundry, be available and loving to your spouse, to your neighbors. I’ve already sacrificed. How can I now do the impossible?
Notice Jesus does not put them at ease by revealing the big picture. He nudges them to respond in faith, to evaluate the resources at hand, however insufficient they may seem.
The disciples come back with a report – they have 5 loaves and 2 fish. Undeterred, Jesus directs His attention to the crowds. He takes the food, looks to heaven, says a blessing, breaks the loaves, and gives the meal to the disciples to set before the people. What a gift to the disciples! They have little to do with the provision, but they still get to participate in the blessing. They have the honor of setting the food before the people. All the people eat to satisfaction! 5,000 men are fed and still 12 baskets are left over! Oh, lovely, glorious leftovers.
Lord, you are not limited by the resources within our reach. You are a God of abundance. I am quick to forget this, to crumble in defeat. Please forgive me. Thank you that you would use us, even though you are the one who deserves the glory. Help us to carefully evaluate the resources available to us and lay them at your feet.
Valerie Stonerook
Valerie came to the SOC family in 2012, and when she isn’t taking care of her children, you can find her cheerfully engaged with her brothers and sisters in the Gainesville community. She currently leads The Share, a weekly women’s Bible study.