But Jesus Said, “You feed them.”
The disciples were tired and just returned from a ministry tour that Jesus sent them on. There were people everywhere, so they got into a boat to find a quiet place to rest for a while. The crowd seeing them leave followed the boat from the shore and even ran ahead. In fact, many people reached the destination before Jesus and the disciples arrived. There was no escaping the crowd on this day.
Jesus stepped from the boat and compassion took over. He began teaching. At some point in the afternoon, the disciples approached the Lord about sending people home to neighboring farms and villages to buy food. Apparently, people, including the disciples, were getting hungry.
That is when Jesus uttered these astounding words, “You feed them.”
Was it a test of their faith? Was it teaching moment? After all, they had just returned from doing ministry on their own. They had healed people and cast out many evil spirits. They had experienced the power of God working through them but when Jesus made it personal, they balked. "'With what?' they asked. 'We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to feed all these people.'” Mark 6:37b (NLT)
Jesus saved the day by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish into a meal for 5000 plus people. It was a stunning lesson of God’s care and love for people. Not only was Jesus concerned about their spiritual needs, but He met their physical desires as well.
What is it that Jesus may be asking you to do that is beyond your capacity or means? We are often called as His followers to achieve and function above our human abilities. Don’t let His calling shock you. Don’t let the cost become the main thing. Learn to obey and rely on the Lord to provide the resources needed to answer His call.
No doubt all of us would have answered the same way as the disciples, but it is a lesson that we should remember. When the call to action comes that is beyond our capabilities we must remember it is never beyond His capabilities. When He says, “You feed them,” our response must be “Yes Lord, with Your help I will find a way.” Let the power of God work in you and through you. Don’t let the size of the task scare you. Let the size of our God increase your faith.
You can do what God is calling you to do. Focus your faith on Him.
I need to know and remember that God is always about growing and stretching my faith and reach for Him.
I need to be content to listen for His voice and direction instead of my own.
I need to do what He says. It may not always be within my means or gifts but working with Him amazing things can be accomplished.