We Can Feed Multitudes

Text: Luke 9:12-17 Theme: Jesus challenged his disciples to meet overwhelming needs. Key verses: “…the Twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the crowds away so they can…find food…because we are in a remote place here.’ He replied, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They answered, ‘We only have five loaves of bread and two fish — unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.’ (About five thousand men were there.) (v. 12-14) “Taking the five loaves…he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied…” (v. 16-17) What God said to me: Dwayne, there is a profound truth that is often overlooked in this story. Jesus knew he was going to perform that miracle. He knew it before he asked them what there was to eat. Yet, he challenged them to do the providing of the food. Why did he do that? Was it in my Son’s nature to speak vain and thoughtless words? Did he ever poke fun at or belittle his disciples? Why would he infer that they could give those 10,000+ people something to eat if in fact they could not? Why would he test them like that? Could it be that Jesus wanted to teach them a huge lesson here? Could it be that they could in fact have taken Jesus up on his challenge? They could have picked up those loaves and fishes and blessed them, broke them and starting handing them out themselves. Would Jesus have allowed them to look like fools at that moment? Would not he have honored their faith and still multiplied the food the same? Why would Jesus say they could give them something to eat if they couldn’t? Remember that Jesus had just sent out those same Twelve on their own. He gave them authority and power to preach and meet physical needs. When they returned this opportunity immediately afforded them to continue in their newly discovered power. Sure, Jesus got those multitudes feed and again preached to them and healed them. Certainly he showed his diety and sovereignty. I do not give you enough information about this story in my Word for you to conclude beyond doubt that my Son did not mean to feed them himself. However, it stands to reason that they missed a great opportunity to be used of me to meet the overwhelming needs head on and successfully. You can and must as well… What I said to God: Amazing, Lord. What an incredible insight this morning. And what a convicting and challenging word to my spirit and mind. Those disciples heard Jesus say they could give the mulitude something to eat. In the same way, I hear You say I can give to those who need physical help — no matter how huge the task may be. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. When I hear You whisper into my heart, “Give them something to eat,” may I in faith, nothing wavering say, “Yes, Lord.” Greater works than what You did You said we can do because we have Your Holy Spirit living and working in us. The power of the resurrection dwells in us! Help me not to do anything for vain glory, but rather, may I have Your mercy shown through me and Your power magnified through me — all for Your glory today.