Mark 6:38-40

Passage

Jesus told the disciples to go and find out how many loaves of bread and fish they have.  The disciples obeyed and they came back saying they had 5 loaves and 2 fish.  Jesus told them all to sit down.  They did sit down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Once it is proven that the disciples have a lesson to learn, Jesus steps up into teacher mode.  He takes charge, takes command, and leads.  This is a point that I think is new to me in recent months.  So much of our churches are based on “communal learning process.”  We teach each other, right?  I think our churches have gotten this way because our culture has also gotten that way, too.  While there is a time and a place for this type of “communal teaching,” I also think we need to see that this is not the model of Jesus.  Jesus takes charge and teaches.  It is Jesus who transmits culture.  In this life, we need leaders and mentors to teach us, guide us, and direct us.

What is the benefit of having a spiritual teacher who can take charge?  What value is there in having an “expert” who can guide, direct, shepherd, and consider the end result?

Second Thought:

The disciples submit.  Can you imagine what they are thinking as they hear Jesus?  They are in a desolate place.  They’ve been out there all day.  Who could have brought enough food for the crowd?  They have got to know just how insane Jesus’ suggestion is.  Even from the perspective of the results of their search Jesus’ idea has to seem insane.  5 loaves?  2 fish?  Imagine what the disciples are thinking.  Yet, they obey.  They submit to the leadership of Christ.

What is necessary in a community for that community to follow a leader?  Why is this idea of submission so vital in spiritual community?  Why do you think the idea of submission is often so strongly resisted?

Third Thought:

Jesus instructs the people to sit down.  Again they obey.  Everyone must surely see the insanity in the direction that Jesus is headed.  But they still obey.  5 loaves, 2 fish, and then Jesus asks them to sit down.  I’m sure there had been a few gifted people with math in the congregation.  1/1000 of a piece of fish?  1/2500 of a loaf of bread?  Can you even hold that small of a piece, much less even taste it and have it satisfy you?  Yet they still obey Jesus simply because He told them to.

Why is submission to Christ of ultimate importance?  How do you submit to Him in your life?  How do you not submit?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 6:41-44