In the Company of ChristSample

Hearing and Seeing

While Jesus is the main character of the gospel of Mark, his disciples are almost always in the picture. Jesus chose them that they might be with him, but also that he might send them out to preach and have authority over demonic forces (see Mark 3:14–15). Jesus limits what they can take with them because he is stretching them, placing them in a situation where they are not likely to have everything that they will need. Often a season of shortage is when we need to turn to our gracious God and ask for his help and seek his provision.

Jesus is also stretching and growing them by including them in his mission. After the disciples’ experience teaching and expelling demons, we come right to the feeding of the 5,000. Crowds have gathered, Jesus has compassion on them and begins to teach, and it becomes late. The disciples come to Jesus telling him that the people need to eat. Jesus turns the table by saying, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37 NIV). Their response? Basically, it’s impossible. Jesus steps in and multiplies the five loaves and two fish they have and feeds everyone. What’s happening in this story is Jesus is including the disciples in this journey of trust where they see him as the provider, but they bring what they have.

Some of our greatest growth moments come not when we feel adequate, but when we bring what we have and we are stretched beyond our adequacy. It is amazing to see what our gracious God will do far beyond our imagination when we simply bring what we have. Like the disciples, we’re learning and growing, but it is a process over time. It can take several experiences to help us make the connections. The disciples saw Jesus heal large numbers of people, feed the 5,000, calm the storm, and walk on the water, but it took time for their understanding to take root in their hearts (see the parable of the sower in Mark 4:1–20).

When our eyes and ears are open, we can get it. We can see the connections Jesus is trying to teach us. The disciples’ slowness to understand what Jesus is teaching them can encourage us. It may take many experiences for God’s truth to penetrate our hearts, and it may be uncomfortable to have to see and hear a lesson more than once. But I find it hopeful that Jesus did not give up on involving and growing his disciples. And I don’t believe that He will give up on you.

Jesus says, “Bring what you have. Let me work with what you have. I can amaze you with what I do when what you have is placed in my hands.” Some of you will feel the Lord’s prompting to step toward a friend who is traveling through some very deep waters, a heartbreaking divorce, the second miscarriage, or extended unemployment. You may not know what to do or say, but when you bring what you have you will often stand in amazement at how our gracious Lord will work—far beyond what you ever imagined!

Respond

When have you been asked to serve God and felt inadequate? 

Where have you seen Jesus step in and provide what you needed to serve him?

What do you have to offer Jesus in his mission to build the kingdom of God?