Jesus Provides!
They all ate and were satisfied. Mark 6:42
The disciples had just come back from their “mission trip”. They were excited to report to Jesus. But the crowd around them prevented that, so Jesus and the disciples tried to get away. They went into a boat and headed to the other side of the lake.
The Sea of Galilee isn’t that big. It’s only 14 miles long and 7 miles wide. It didn’t take a genius to figure out where Jesus and the disciples were headed, so the crowd ran to beat them there. Jesus’ heart went out to them, so he began to teach them many things. Not only disappointed that they didn’t get away, Jesus now instructs the disciples to give the crowd something to eat!
Just imagine! In the middle of nowhere! How in the world would they come up with enough food to feed 5000 men! That didn’t include the women and children! Our text relates the results. They did find 5 small loaves of bread and 2 fish. Look what Jesus did. He blessed the bread and fish and gave them to the disciples. Our verse records: They all ate and were satisfied.
No, it didn’t end up the way the disciples had thought. A nice private time away with Jesus. But yet, I bet the disciples looked back at that time with joy. What an amazing Savior. He just wanted to get away, but his heart continued to go out to the crowd. I wouldn’t doubt that this event continued to inspire the disciples when they were stressed in their ministry.
It also serves as a great reminder for us. Can we trust Jesus? Yes, we can. He always continues to work everything out for our good. We can count on it.
Lord Jesus, your love and care is amazing. When we are stressed by the events of life, help us always see that you continue to work everything out for our good. Amen.