Read Matthew 14:13-21

• Reflect on Scripture passage alone or in a small group

In this week’s passage, we look at Christ feeding a crowd of 5,000 people. One part sticks out when applying this miracle to our perspective work. Jesus charged the disciples to feed 5,000 people–an impossible task quickly realized by his disciples as they answered, “we only have five loafs of bread and two fish.” Jesus rectified the situation by giving thanks over the food, blessing the food, and dispersing the food to His Disciples. They, in turn, delivered it to the needy crowd.

How often are we asked to do something to help those in need? How many of us consider our work a calling handed to us by God? If your answers are “often” and “absolutely yes,” then you know at times how impossible this task can be. If the disciples hadn’t waited on Christ for His help, they would have been trying to feed 5,000 people with only five loaves and two fish in their baskets. The baskets would virtually be empty, and it would have ended in an embarrassing scenario. Likewise, we cannot be influential ambassadors of Christ when we leave Jesus out of the “helping people” equation. Christ calls on us to lean upon Him before we serve His people. 

So, before you go to work and provide God’s people the nutrition of the working Gospel, make sure you leave home with your basket full of food. After all, you can’t feed anyone with an empty basket. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Like your first Disciples, you call us, a royal priesthood, to proclaim the Gospel to the world. Remind us daily that to fulfill your commandment, we need you. Period. Bless what we can offer the world as food, so that it may multiply and feed thousands. Amen.