You give them something to eat

Rebekah -Singapore

Mark 6:34-37

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat. They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

This exchange between Jesus and His disciples occurred just before the miraculous feeding of the 5000 with which we probably are all familiar.  If the disciples had had their way, we would never have known that five loaves and two fish could feed thousands with twelve baskets of leftovers. I believe that Jesus was using this instance to teach His disciples to look to others' needs beyond their own, even when their own circumstances are trying; and also to give what they have with faith.

Just before this miracle took place, Jesus and His disciples were on their way by boat to get a much-deserved rest away from the multitudes. They had been spending their time either teaching or healing the sick. They had been surrounded by crowds to the point where they were unable to eat. And worse still, they also received news that their beloved friend and Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, had been unjustly beheaded by King Herod, because he spoke up about the king’s unlawful union with his brother’s wife, Herodias. They were tired, hungry and grieved, but because Jesus had compassion on the crowds following them on foot, plans changed and He decided to teach them instead. When evening drew near, the disciples were restless and eager to send the people away; perhaps more for their own sakes than the crowd’s. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jesus knew what was in their hearts, and therefore told them to be the ones to bring food to the people.

Although I am in a position to give with my money, time or other resources, it is easy for me to feel that my resources are limited. Just like the disciples, I can get overwhelmed by the thought that what is expected from me is more than what I can give. Often, opportunities to give can also come along at the worst times, when we are going through a family crisis, a break-up, a long season of loneliness, a burnout or maybe the loss of a loved one or a job that we enjoy. However, through Jesus’s example here, we can see that even when we go through trials, we can still be in touch with our compassionate side and give what we have - even if it is just five loaves and two fish; not very much from a worldly point of view, but when put into the hands of Jesus, it is more than enough. He does not expect us to give what we do not have, but he does want us to evaluate what we do have, and give with faith that he can multiply it. What would it look like when we have a heart of compassion that is sensitive to the needs of the poor, needy and oppressed? What are some resources that we have on hand today that can benefit someone in need, and how can we make sure it reaches them?

About the author:  Rebekah has been a disciple in the Central Christian Church of Singapore for 13 years, and is serving in the campus ministry. She enjoys playing the classical guitar and hanging out with her friends.