This morning's lesson is from John 6:1-14. It is the story of the feeding of the 5,000.
This
is a familiar story. Jesus is in a lonely place; the crowd has
followed him there. After they hear his message, it is late and they
have no food. A small boy is there, with a few loaves and fish. Jesus
takes these, blesses them, and everyone eats their fill. When the
eating is over, 12 baskets full of leftovers are collected.
I shared last night how some stories of the
Bible, as popular as they may be, are only mentioned once. This is true
for so much of the Christmas story.
This story, the feeding of the 5,000, is on the other end of the
spectrum. It is the only miracle which is recorded in all four of the
Gospels. This is THE story which impressed the writers and provided
them with an opportunity to reveal Jesus as Messiah and Lord.
Is this the story which a contemporary writer would
choose first? Walking on water seems to be a popular cultural reference
to the unique power of Jesus. Raising the dead is also mentioned.
Commanding the storm to be silent would have been helpful to the folks
in New York and New Jersey this November when Hurricane Sandy was
destroying lives and ruining property.
Our affluence allows us to take food, and being fed, for granted.
Our refrigerators and cabinets are populated with items we ignore this
morning for something more tasty. But eating is not a guarantee in the
lives of so many of God's children. It wasn't for the 5,000 who came to
Jesus that day. It isn't for 1 out of 8 South Carolina residents.
Jesus' power was revealed in his ability to feed the
hungry. The power Jesus has in our lives and on our behavior should
reveal the same desire and ability to respond to human need.
As you evaluate your "response to Jesus," think about your confession of
faith, your dedication to the study of scripture, and your
participation in the community of faith. But also take a look at your
service to the least among us. Where and how are you feeding the
hungry?
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