This change of plans shows Jesus’ perfect way of going with the flow. Two of the most memorable miracles might not have happened if Jesus had been able to successfully retreat with his disciples for the rest they all needed. God had other plans, and the teachable moment would continue.
What got Jesus’ attention enough to pivot like this? It was the crowds of people Jesus knew were lost, “like sheep without a shepherd.” When you look around your community or circle of influence, do you see lost people or do you see people already on a mission for Christ?
The disciples, now back from their first mission, are in a panic. Jesus expects them to feed all these people. How in the world would they pull that off? Not yet was it “automatic” for the disciples to face challenges, expecting God to move. Rather, the disciples focused on how “they” could solve things. We do that, too, when we refuse to give God our problems and concerns, thinking we’ve “got it.”
Even the disciples had hard hearts. You’d think that they would have the advantage, being right there to witness Jesus in person, be taught by him, and call him friend. We can only long for the in-person contact with Jesus someday, when His kingdom comes. While we wait, Jesus teaches us through Scripture and invites us to be his friend. The Holy Spirit is our connection.
With these back-to-back miracles, the disciples were getting bombarded with life-changing, mind-bending experiences. Don’t rush past the enormous power at work in both cases. The food was multiplied by the power of God, and Jesus was able to walk on water and still the wind and waves using that same power. What were people’s reactions to witnessing such events? There had to be lots of unbelief due to being the furthest thing from an expected occurrence. Have you ever seen someone walk on water?
I have myself experienced the food multiplying a time or two, but certainly not to the grand extent of 5,000 people. I remember at the last minute stretching a meal for a family of 4 to a group of 6 or 8, including very hungry teenagers. Being one of the houses where kids liked to hang out couldn’t happen enough for this mama! There was always a prayer or two involved when last-minute plans changed.
What do these two miracle stories have in common besides Jesus and his power? Both show our need as sheep to have a shepherd. All the people who heard Jesus preach and all the people who were healed by Jesus or witnessed one cannot go away unchanged. They all became followers, wanting more of Jesus and his truth.
Still today, we are sheep grasping onto all sorts of things in the world that lead and promise to bring us some sort of fulfillment. There will always be a place in our hearts for God, whether we try to fill it with distractions or not. Jesus wants to be our friend. We need Jesus.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I am so glad that I am working on my relationship with you. Draw me closer every day. Forgive me for how I fall short and miss opportunities you lay before me. Please reveal yourself in ways I can recognize you. Empower me in the areas of my weakness and show me your way for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
