I’m Hungry!
By Pastor Ben

“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.”     (Psalm 145:15-16)

I love eating out — especially when I’m on the road. I especially gravitate toward local fare — whatever is popular  or famous in the local area — wherever that may be.
Even though you and I can find all types of restaurants on the road, that wasn’t the case in Jesus’ time. In particular, Jesus and His disciples once faced a crowd of over 5,000 people on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus had spent the day healing and teaching. It was getting late and the disciples were getting worried. This was a big crowd, it was almost supper time, and they were out in the middle of nowhere. So, the disciples encouraged Jesus to send the people on their way to get something to eat.
Jesus gives what seems to be a nonchalant response:

    “You give them something to eat.”        (Matthew 14:16)

I would love to have seen their faces at that point. The disciples were shocked. They didn’t have the resources to feed a crowd that big. But Jesus already had it figured out. With the power of the Son of God, two fish and five loaves of bread would be plenty. He wasn’t concerned at all!
The 12 disciples, however, were a concern. They weren’t thinking like disciples of their Rabbi. They were blind to the power of Jesus. Had they already forgotten His miracles? Couldn’t they see who Jesus really was?

The disciples were quick to doubt Jesus. Their human minds couldn’t comprehend such a simple solution to such a big problem. But, that’s who Jesus is — human flesh, just like me and you, but also the Son of God on a mission to rescue — to save!

2 fish, 5 loaves of bread, 1 Savior offers physical nourishment to thousands.

3 nails, 2 pieces of wood, 1 Savior offers endless spiritual nourishment to a world dying of spiritual hunger.

    “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”                    (Matthew 5:6)

In a crowd of 5,000 or a party of one, Jesus’ awesome and miraculous powers are for all believers. There is no problem He can’t solve. There is no hurt too big for His comfort. There is no sinner He doesn’t love.

PRAYER STARTER:
Jesus, I praise You for Your endless nourishment . . .