May the mumbling commence!
Want to know some Christian principles in ministry? Look to the feeding of the five-thousand men. It is important. All four gospels record this occurrence. What do we do when we feel overwhelmed? Jesus and the disciples were in the midst of ministry that engulfed every waking hour – and some of their sleeping hours as well. Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist. What did Jesus do..?
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. (Mark 6:31-32)
It was time to make time to rest. And the only rest they would get would be in a secluded and solitary place. They set out to sail for that place.
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. (Matthew 13a)
Jesus had heard what had happened – the death of John the Baptist. It was time to seek privacy in a solitary place to give himself time to mourn. It is okay to rest and mourn for those you love that have died. Luke says the same thing:
Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida. (9:10b)
But, sometimes, an attempt to seek rest and privacy for mourning is not possible. What do we do when our ministry follows us to our times of retreat..? What did Jesus do?
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. (Mark 6:34)
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)
He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. (Luke 9:11)
Jesus had compassion on them. He welcomed them. He taught them and healed them. He anticipated and met their needs to be fed spiritually and physically. Jesus led his disciples to feed the large crowd with… what appeared to be nearly nothing – five loaves and two fishes. When our resources seem so woefully inadequate what should we do?
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. (Mark 6:41)
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. (Matthew 14:9b)
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. (Luke 9:16a)
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. (John 6:11)
Give thanks for what we have. Be willing to give a portion of what we have – even when we do not think we have enough for ourselves. Distribute the food to those that have need – as much as they want. When everyone has their fill, be sure to check for leftovers.
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. (Mark 6:42-43)
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. (Matthew 14:20)
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. (Luke 9:17)
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. (John 6:12-13)
John records Jesus’ command: Let nothing be wasted. I think that says it best. In Christian ministry, seek time to rest and mourn when you need to. But when ministry still calls - trust God, give thanks for whatever you have, share, and let nothing be wasted.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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