Scripture: Mark 8:1-8

1 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.  3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”

4 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” 5 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied.

6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

 

Reflection

When the people followed Jesus to learn from Him, they gave things up. They followed Him for many days and as a result, they were hungry. Following Jesus often means denying ourselves other things in order to stay focused on Him. The good news is that this isn’t lost on Jesus. He was aware of their hunger and had compassion for them. While His disciples were worried about the logistics and the impossibility of finding enough food, Jesus simply took what was offered, and it was more than enough. What Jesus offers is always way more than enough.

 

Reflection Questions

• In following Jesus, what have you had to leave behind that perhaps left you hungry or wanting
• What would it look like for you to offer what you have and wait for Jesus to meet your needs?

 

Soul Care Practice

Morning
Become aware of God’s loving presence and imagine Jesus saying these words to you: “How many loaves do you have?” Talk with Jesus about any thoughts, reflections, challenges, and emotions that come up within you. How can you embody these words and follow Christ in your home, neighborhood, and workplace?

Evening
Read Jesus’ words again slowly: “How many loaves do you have?” How did these words shape and guide you today? Pray your thoughts, desires, needs, struggles, and joys from today. As you go to bed, rest in God’s presence.

 

Blessing

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

 

 

Written by Lisette Fraser, Lead Family Pastor.