MARK CHAPTER 6
In Mark 6:32-36, it tells of Jesus and his disciples going to a solitary place. But, many who saw and recognized them leaving, ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When they got to their destination, not only was it not solitary any longer, a large crowd had gathered. Without Twitter, Facebook, radio, internet, television, or any other form of communication, people actually ran and arrived before Jesus. Can you imagine having that kind of success?
So, Jesus began teaching them many things. When it was late in the day the disciples asked Him to send the people away so they could go and buy themselves something to eat. In verse 37 it says, "But he answered, you give them something to eat. They said to him, That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"
The Lord was teaching a lesson in multiplication when he asked them to take care of the food. The disciples had calculated eight months wages for the size of the crowd. "How many loaves do you have? He asked. Go and see. When they found out, they said, Five - and two fish."
The lesson continued when Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the grass. They sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. I believe there was more to the grouping of the crowd than just being orderly. But, the best part was coming! Jesus then took the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks. Let me repeat that part again - He gave thanks first! Next, the Lord started giving the broken loaves to the disciples to set before the people. Then Jesus "divided" the two fish. Not only did everyone eat and were satisfied, there were twelve basketsful of broken pieces of bread and fish left over. Little became much!
Five loaves and two fish make seven, which feeds over five thousand people, with twelve basketfuls uneaten. I don't know about you, but I would take that multiplication any day of the week. Jesus repeated the miracle another time for four thousand and asked his disciples, "Do you still not understand?"
PSALMS 127:1
Psalms 127:1 states, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain." How many times have we tried to produce large numbers, to make or become many, to increase without giving thanks and having Jesus in charge? How many loaves do you have? Go and see.
MY PRAYER:
I thank you Lord today that you lead me where I am to go. Help me to become like the testimony of John the Baptist in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Let us seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well. Thank you Lord and amen.
COMMENTS:
What has God "added" to you lately? Please share your story here to bless others.
