Week Eight: Day Two

    February 18, 2025 | Be God's Family

    Feeding Five Thousand


    Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21(NIV)

    13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

    15 As evening approached, 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 themselves some food.”

    16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

    17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

    18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.


    Devotional

    By: Lynette Hart

    Some people have the gift of hosting. My mother-in-law is a Hostess with the Mostess. She can serve a multiple course meal and you don’t even realize she is putting it together. She prepares it all. There is plenty to eat. The dishes match. The serving dishes are “the good ones”. I do not have the gift of hosting. One of my fears is serving dinner for a large crowd.  I will agonize for weeks planning the menu, planning the dishes, making the grocery list, planning how to cook it all. After our BLESS series, I know how important it is to eat together. Therefore, I continue to try. 

    Jesus had a large crowd. Crowds get hungry. Hungry crowds get unruly. His disciples and I had the same fear. How will we serve this crowd? Crowds need food. Will there be enough food?!? Will it be good enough? 

    They had two fish and five loaves of bread. My family of four can eat more than that for dinner. 

    But Jesus knew that God would provide. 

    The fish and bread kept coming. As they continued to serve, the food continued to replenish. How can this be? How can two fish and five loaves feed 5000 people? 

    God provides. God uses everyone and everything. God can take away our worry.

    This story is a wonder but a wonderful reminder that God will provide what we need. God is generous. We can leave the worry behind. Jesus is the Bread of Life. In the Kingdom of God, there is no hunger or want. 

    A few months ago, I had a house full of guests for a weekend. God took away my worry. He knew exactly what I needed. God provided. My guests provided and cooked all the food. It was the best dinner party I have ever had at my house. 


    Poem

    Enduring Love
    Psalm 136

    Enduring Love, forever
    My only God shall be
    Your glory I will boldly sing
    As You establish me

    You govern all creation
    By Your hand all are fed
    You guard Your people safely
    You place Truth as their head

    Our low estate, You cover
    You feed us with Your word
    When enemies pursue us hot
    Our rescue is assured

    Enduring Love, forever
    Our praise shall ever be
    For You alone have mercy
    Provision full and free


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