During those days, another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. (Mark 8:1-5)
This had happened before. It wasn’t like this was new to the disciples. Just two chapters before in Mark 6:30-44, Jesus feeds five thousand men, not counting women and children. And here we sit again, with another large crowd who are hungry and Jesus asking his disciples, “How many loaves do you have?”
The text tells us a few facts. First, it was a large crowd of 4,000. Second, they had nothing to eat and had been with Jesus for three days. Third, Jesus had compassion for the people. Fourth, they were in a remote place. Fifth, Jesus asks how many loaves were on hand.
Jesus is setting up the disciples here. I can picture them waiting on baited breath, with a look of anticipation on their faces, asking themselves, “What is Jesus going to do next?” I find it interesting that Jesus calls his disciples and the text says that he has compassion for these people , that he is going to send them home for food, but that “many will collapse on the way.” Then his disciples say, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” Was this an honest question, or were the disciples putting Jesus to the test?
I find the dialogue intriguing. Jesus knows all along what he is going to do. It’s like a visionary who sees the plan before the people but brings them along so as to catch the vision. Jesus is doing just this—he reveals the need of food to the people, then he steps in to meet the need.
Does Jesus do similar works in our daily interaction with the Savior? Might he ask us to help figure problems out? While all along knowing the clear and straight answer and being able to provide the power to solve?
Jesus involves us with him in redeeming and restoring the world. In this instance, he could have simply multiplied the bread without consulting the disciples, but he engages them so they will see the issues and then the solution. And yet, God has the fix even before we face or realize the problem.
The fact is—God is here with us and cares for his people. Regardless of the need, the Lord can meet that need according to his purposes and his grace. As Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
What do you need from the Lord that only he can supply? Come to him now, call upon his name. Seek the Lord while he can be found, for he cares for you.
“O Lord God, you are good and faithful. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me know the truth of your Word and to rely upon you every step of the way. Come near, Lord Jesus, and send us your grace. I love you, Lord, and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.