Skip to main content

145. What, Again?


Matthew 15:29-39, Mark 8:1-10,
Key Verse: They all ate and were satisfied.
Matthew 15:37a & Mark 8:8a

God truly is the God of Second chances. We saw this in the telling of two incidences of Jesus and storms and boats. The first time, the disciples were terrified while Jesus was still in the boat with them, sleeping. The next time, when they saw Him walking toward them, on the water, Peter even ventured out, with his fledgling faith, to be with Jesus.

This second event of Jesus feeding a multitude, gives us another opportunity to explore the growth of the faith of the disciples. At first glance, these stories, the feeding of the 5,000, Matthew 14:13-21, and the one that we read today, seem to have many similarities. First of all, they are in a remote place with a large crowd of people. Secondly, Jesus has compassion on the people and performs many healings. After that, however, the similarities end and we get to see how much the disciples have grown, in a short time, by living with their Master.

The first difference that we notice is that this time, it is Jesus who initiates the concern for the people. Though in this event, they had all been together for three days instead of just one, the disciples weren’t concerned about sending the people away to care for themselves. They were trusting that Jesus had matters in hand. “I do not want to send them away hungry.” (Matt 15:32c)

Now, instead of wanting to send the people off to fend for themselves, or worrying about how to pay for so much bread, the disciples simply puzzle, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place?”

Again Jesus asks, “How many loaves do you have?” (Matt 15:34)
There is a difference in the answer this time.  Instead of “Only five loaves and two fish,” the disciples reply “seven loaves and a few fish.” (Matt 15:35) They know what’s coming. Jesus has it all under control.

Now the people sit down and the disciples distribute the food. Afterwards, the disciples collect the leftovers, seven basketsful this time instead of twelve for 4,000 people instead of 5,000. Something else is different too.  We notice a difference in the response of the people. Before, they were takers. In John’s telling of the first feeding, (John 6:1-15) the people wanted to make Jesus king, a selfish act on their part. This time however, Matthew reports, “the people were amazed at the healings…and they praised the God of Israel.” (Matt 15:31) Jesus’ works were accomplishing what He had set out to do.  He was causing the people to give glory to God. (Matt 5:16)

Finally, when the crowd had gone home, Jesus climbed into the boat and headed out with His disciples. They had made a great team! The disciples had grown. Perhaps, instead of having to head off to pray by Himself, this time, Jesus was riding on the energy of the praise gathering. The people had grown too. Instead of being grabbers and takers, for today, they turned the blessings received into praise to God the Father. If only we could all do as well with our blessings on a daily basis.

Think about it. Do you remember a time in your life when you failed to walk by faith? If you were given a second chance, how might your story be different? Be on the alert. The circumstances may be different, but God is always giving you opportunities to walk by faith and not sight. Rise to the challenge and see how you have grown.

Hymn: “Thanks To God for My Redeemer” 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

October 27 Save the Glaze for the Bunny

Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips of an evil heart. A malicious man disguises himself with his lips. But in his heart, he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it. If a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him. ~Proverbs 26:23-28 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. Even one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth. T...
Post a Comment
Read more

July 16 Thick Skinned Love

Whoever covers over an offence promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. ~Proverbs 17:9 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. ~Matthew 18:15  The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ~1 Peter 4:7-8  Being offended seems to be the battle cry of the day. Instead of freedom of speech, everyone has the right not to be offended. If one is offended, then one has the right to exact vengeance on the offender because, of course, the offender KNEW that he or she was being offensive and just didn’t care. Is that how you see much of society behaving today?  There seems to be all of this offending and finger pointing that just keeps growing and growing. Nothing is being resolved, just more blame that grows louder a...
Post a Comment
Read more

January 24 You’ll See, He Remembers

The wise inherit honor, but fools He holds up to shame. ~Proverbs 3:35 “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.” ~Isaiah 3:10 “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” ~Hebrews 6:10-12 “The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them. The sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.” ~1 Timothy 5:24-25 “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” ~Matthew 12:36-3...
Post a Comment
Read more