Okay. I'm going to ask you
to keep an open-mind as I work my way through this particular two-part post
(being open-minded applies in part two). While I'm not going to throw the
miraculous feeding of 5,000 into the Sea of Galilee, I want to explore another
possible miracle within the miracle.
But first…
The apostles (disciples)
have returned to see Jesus and share what happened on their journey. You know
they had to have been utterly worn out by the entire experience -- completely
trusting God for their needs, teaching and healing many, being rejected (if not
by many more) -- so Jesus says, "Let's go to someplace quiet, so you can
eat and rest."
That was the plan. "Was."
LIFE-NOTE
I think it's important to understand what Jesus has
done in this section. It's almost so subtle that it can be missed. There's a
rhythm of life for those who follow.
When you have been in mission (putting your whole self
into being active, working, helping those in need, however you may define
"mission,"…), we must rest and be restored. Being in a place
to share, reflect and pray is part of that rhythm.
How many times though do we skip the part of getting enough
sleep, or rest, or nourishment? How many times do we sidestep the sharing part?
How many times do we actually make prayer a priority? In my own life, I'm
certainly guilty of not following that rhythm -- at least on a consistent
basis.
How easy it is to get caught up in the rat race, the
go-go-go, "must have and do now" pace of life! The possession and
consumption "to do" actually turns around and consumes us. The light
of our own life candles burn out wayyyyyy too early.
Back to the plan that "was."
The boat has arrived at the desired destination. Time to rest and get
re-energized! But…
A crowd of people have
surrounded them. And what Jesus does shows us that sometimes we have to make an
adjustment for the greater good. Plans change. Jesus realizes and understands
the need of these folks -- "sheep without a shepherd" -- so he begins
sharing the good news.
What about the disciples
in all of this? What are they doing? Who knows. They may be working alongside
Jesus. Yet through it all they remain worn out and a tad irritable given the
verses that follow.
As verse 35 states, it's now
fast-approaching dinner time. The disciples collectively tell Jesus, "It's
been a long day. You need to do something about these people. They're hungry,
so tell them to go home, go somewhere other than stay here with us. Let them
worry about their own needs." Emphasis is placed on the "You"
(Jesus) do something.
Jesus' reply completely
takes the disciples aback. "You give them something to eat. You need to
worry about their needs." Emphasis now placed on "You"
(disciples) do something.
I love this! Jesus' focus
is on community. Their needs are our needs; their concerns are our concerns;
their worries are our worries; their hunger is our hunger.
As Mike Slaughter writes
in his book, Christmas Is Not Your
Birthday, "Jesus made the meaning of discipleship perfectly clear: you
can't separate your relationship with God from your responsibility for God's
people."
You and I need to worry
about those in need. And collectively, we must do something about it.
NEXT…
"Are you kidding me,
Jesus? Feed 5,000?!?"; pulling off the miraculous; symbolism and
foreshadowing
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