Compassion In Action
Matthew 14:13-21
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”
But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.
“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 demonstrates God's heart of compassion and His ability to multiply our small offerings. Just as the boy offered his five loaves and two fish, God is calling us to offer what we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Reflect on what "five loaves and two fish" you have in your life right now. It could be a talent, a resource, or even just your time. How might God be calling you to offer these things in service to others? Remember, in God's hands, our small offerings can become miracles that feed multitudes. Today, pray for the courage to step out in faith and offer what you have to God's service.
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”
But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.
“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 demonstrates God's heart of compassion and His ability to multiply our small offerings. Just as the boy offered his five loaves and two fish, God is calling us to offer what we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Reflect on what "five loaves and two fish" you have in your life right now. It could be a talent, a resource, or even just your time. How might God be calling you to offer these things in service to others? Remember, in God's hands, our small offerings can become miracles that feed multitudes. Today, pray for the courage to step out in faith and offer what you have to God's service.
Posted in Daily Devotions
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