jesus, the founder of the kingdom
Jesus’ interactions with the disciples were filled with teaching moments where he modeled what the kingdom of God looks like and how his followers are to operate in that realm. Jesus desired that they believe in his teachings in order to live transformed lives, reflecting the kingdom of God through thought, word, and deed. In the following story, pay attention to how Jesus prompts the disciples to show the kingdom of God in action.
Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21)
What is the scripture saying?
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REFLECTION (Click Here to read scripture text.):
- What part did Jesus play in the feeding?
- How did the disciples participate in the miracle?
- What puzzles you about Jesus telling the disciples, "You give them something to eat?"
- Why did he say that?
- What do you think Jesus wanted the disciples to discover about themselves and their role in kingdom work?
- For those with food insecurity, this story is a miracle. For those of us who have more than enough, what does it bring to our minds and hearts?
What does the feeding of the 5,000 mean for my life?
When you eat, do you think of your food as a gift from God? In what ways are you helping to feed people? Do you think of this as participation in the work of God’s kingdom? How might this perspective change the way you feel or act?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, first of all, I thank you for caring for my ordinary human needs. Thank you for my “daily bread.”
I also thank you today for the presence of your kingdom. Though the fullness of your reign is yet to come, nevertheless, we are able to begin to experience life under your gracious sovereignty.
I bring before you, Lord, all of those who provide food for people. I want to thank you for those who grow the food I eat, for those who transport it and sell it, and for those who prepare it. I thank you also for those people and organizations that seek to feed the hungry and help the poor to develop the means to produce food.
Finally, I pray for those who are hungry today. May you provide for them. May you stir up your people to feed the hungry, even as you once did in the wilderness. May individuals and charitable organizations and businesses and governments work in partnership so that all people might have access to food for life. And may all of this be for your glory! Amen.
Adapted from: https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/daily-reflection/deeper-meaning-feeding-5000/
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, first of all, I thank you for caring for my ordinary human needs. Thank you for my “daily bread.”
I also thank you today for the presence of your kingdom. Though the fullness of your reign is yet to come, nevertheless, we are able to begin to experience life under your gracious sovereignty.
I bring before you, Lord, all of those who provide food for people. I want to thank you for those who grow the food I eat, for those who transport it and sell it, and for those who prepare it. I thank you also for those people and organizations that seek to feed the hungry and help the poor to develop the means to produce food.
Finally, I pray for those who are hungry today. May you provide for them. May you stir up your people to feed the hungry, even as you once did in the wilderness. May individuals and charitable organizations and businesses and governments work in partnership so that all people might have access to food for life. And may all of this be for your glory! Amen.
Adapted from: https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/daily-reflection/deeper-meaning-feeding-5000/
How can I make a difference?
- Volunteer to work at and/or make a contribution to a food pantry
- Here are 2 organizations actively working today on the issue of hunger. Click the links to read more:
- Bread for the World: We Speak Up to End Hunger
- Society of St. Andrew:
Indiana–Indiana - EndHunger
National–Home Page - EndHunger
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