As Jesus was preparing to feed the 5000, the disciples acted just like most people we know. They were convinced there was nothing they could do about the crowd and therefore didn’t do what they were told. (John 6:1-15) They resisted at every point:
Jesus feeding a crowd with 5 loaves of bread and two fish – Early 1600’s – Bernardo Strozzi
“There is not enough money”
“Send them away”
“What is five loaves to so many?”
One thing jumps out of the text for me: Nothing wonderful happened until the disciples quit making excuses and got to work organizing the people.
It is human nature to avoid difficulty. That fear is what keeps you from stepping into traffic. That fear is also what keeps you from doing great things.
In this event, we not only see Jesus performing an extraordinary miracle, but we see the Master Teacher at work, training the disciples for the difficult life ahead of them. Sometimes obedience still has to happen even when there is no clarity in the outcome.
Spreading the Gospel is a little like that for us isn’t it? Convincing the world that the Lord has the “bread of life” is difficult beyond our abilities.
But …
If we would only guide them to him …
be an example of faith …
and prepare them for the great things to come …
He will take care of the rest!
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. – 1 Corinthians 3:6
Daily Bible reading for November 11
Psalm 102
2 Kings 11
Malachi 2:10-17
John 6:1-21
November 11, 2013
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