“Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children”.                                            Matthew 14 : 20 – 21

Bible reading: Matthew 14 : 13 - 21

Thought for the week

You may remember the early days of the virus before the lockdown, when the food shelves were emptying. There were scenes which were unfamiliar. Of people wondering who would be there to help them. People beginning to feel confused. Feelings of panic even.

One of the remarkable features of Jesus’ feeding the five thousand is the sheer numbers of people who have gathered around Jesus, looking for hope. They are confused, frightened even. John the Baptist has been killed. The people’s moral leaders have let them down. The Romans have no interest in helping them. Matthew tells us Jesus’ response to the crowd that has gathered is to have pity on them.

There is the sheer surprise of what Jesus does. He feeds them. He doesn’t need to. Certainly no one expects Him to. But He does anyway.

The miracle presents us with such a clear picture of the Lord who cares for us. Jesus who has compassion for us. Jesus who will step into our lives and our situations. Jesus who comes to us with His hope, His salvation, His peace.

Jesus calls us to gather to Him. Look to Him. Trust in Him. The Lord who cares for each of us so deeply.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Lord God,

your Son left the riches of heaven and became poor for our sake:

when we prosper save us from pride, when we are needy save us from despair,

that we may trust in you alone; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.