Selfless预览

You Feed Them

Let’s talk about a couple of bread-fish-and-Jesus stories in the Bible. There’s the story where thousands were fed from only five loaves and two fish. Then the one where Jesus told His disciples to fish on the other side of the boat, they did, caught loads of fish, then came to shore where Jesus was waiting on the beach with some bread and grilled fish. Apparently, Jesus was in the mood for grilling because next He started grilling Peter with questions something like this.  

Jesus: Do you love Me?

Peter: Yes. 

Jesus: Then feed My people.  

Jesus: Really, do you love Me?

Peter: Come on, Jesus. Totally.

Jesus: Then take care of them.

In the five loaves and two fish story, the conversation was similar. It went something like this.

Jesus’ disciples: There are a ton of hungry people, and there’s no food.

Jesus: Give them something to eat. 

In both stories, Jesus told His closest followers to feed the people who needed Him. In both stories, Jesus provided the miracle of multiplication. In both stories, everybody involved ended up with more than they gave. 

That’s how Jesus works. Our conversation with Him might sound like this.

Jesus: Do you love Me?

Us: Yes! Can’t You tell? We’re reading a Bible Plan about You. 

Jesus: Feed the people who need Me. 

Us: That’s, like, billions of people, Jesus. Just the budget for that alone …

Jesus: Do you love Me?

How will you respond to Jesus? People are hungry and in need of Him. You can pray and ask Jesus to save the lost, but these stories show us how He’ll answer. You feed them. You can feed others encouragement, love, hope, or wisdom. You can share the bread of life, Jesus, with others by sharing the stories of what He’s done for you. Whatever you give may seem small, but remember, Jesus is the multiplier. 

Can you give to your local church? Can you go above and help start new churches? Can you give to people with needs in your community? 

Pray: Jesus, I do love You, and I want to generously give to the work of bringing Your truth to people who need You. Give me the bravery to give extravagantly. I trust You to multiply.