The apostles returned from their first preaching journey. Jesus withdrew with them to Bethsaida to give them a mini vacation. But a crowd of 5,000 followed Jesus even to the site. Jesus did not turn them away. Instead, he welcomed them and served them through his teaching and healing. Jesus served them not out of obligation or habit but out of his shepherd's heart. Jesus saw their needs and gave more than what he had planned. One who has a shepherd's heart can see the needs of others and is not afraid of self-sacrifice to welcome and serve them.

Sometime later, the disciples told Jesus to send the crowds away to find food and lodging. To their realistic suggestion, Jesus said, "You give them something to eat." Jesus wanted them to learn a few lessons in faith as they would somehow feed the crowds. The disciples had only 5 loaves and 2 fish. But Jesus blessed what they brought, and with it, fed the crowd. Jesus wanted the disciples to learn that God can multiply anything they would give to him for more than they could imagine. God can multiply and use our talents, time, or materials greatly when we give them to him in faith.


Application: Lord, my resources are meager, but take my 5 loaves and 2 fish and use them for your feeding work.
One Word: Jesus multiplies