READING: Luke 9:7-9, Mark 6:14-29, Matthew 14:1-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15, Mark 6:45-52, Matthew 14:22-33, John 6:16-21, Mark 6:53-56, Matthew 14:34-36
In the one miracle other than the resurrection that occurs in four Gospels, Jesus fed the 5000+ people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. What most interests me today, though, is the context of the miracle.
The disciples had just reported to Him what they had done in ministry, and Jesus recognized they needed to get away from the busyness and get some rest. In fact, He called them to a remote place because the crowds were hindering them even from eating. The crowds had seen the signs of His miracles, and they wanted to be near Him. Indeed, they kept coming to Him and even apparently outran the others to the remote place. Rest would not come soon for Jesus and the disciples.
Nevertheless, Jesus “had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). I might have been frustrated with the crowds when they hindered my rest, but not Jesus. He instead taught them many things and miraculously fed them so much that they had twelve baskets full of leftovers. How grateful I am for His compassion for all of us!
PERSONAL REFLECTION: In what ways has God shown compassion in your life?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, I thank You for Your love and compassion. Thank You for being a perfect shepherd.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 6:22-71, Mark 7:1-23, Matthew 15:1-20
