Matthew 14:15-20 NIV
As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” [16] Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” [17] “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. [19] And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. [20] They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
We live in world where so often we look to others to meet others needs and solve the problems of society – the state, the rich, the unions. Perhaps there’s an echo here of Cain’s complaint, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper!’ Of course these institutions have a responsibility and a role to play, I wonder, is Jesus saying to the disciples that they should not completely delegate compassion and service to others, but in the Spirit’s power offer what we can.
Father, teach us to trust in your power as we seek to stand with and serve our community.
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