12/17/2014

Gift of Sustenance

John 8:10-13 “10Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. 12When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten."

Anyone who has ever had to plan for a large crowd can appreciate that logistics can be the biggest challenge. This was especially true in the days before fast food and rapid transit.

Jesus’ teachings were drawing massive numbers of people and Jesus had compassion for them and wanted to ensure they had something to eat.

Jesus knew what hunger was like. He had spent forty days fasting in the wilderness and was tempted to make a loaf of bread to eat. Yet he resisted because he knew the motivation would not be meant to honor God.

Here, it is different. Here he performs essentially the same act, yet it was done for the glory of the Father. When you strip it all down,Christian service is not about what you do or how you do it; the only thing that matters is why you do it and who gets the glory. Let that principle guide you as you bless others.