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Weekly Message | October 18th, 2009
Passage: Luke 9:10-17
Key Verse(s): 16
Many of us have studied this particular passage many times in the past. Different from the three other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and John), Luke does not emphasize the disciples (Andrew and Philip in particular) who brought five loaves and two fish from a boy. Instead, this miracle in Luke’s Gospel is the extension of the previous Fieldwork Training. (9:1-9) Now, let us consider Jesus who stretches his disciples and at the same time completes the work of a miracle together.
First, Jesus welcomed them, spoke about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing (10-11). Look at verse 10a: "When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done." The Twelve disciples had been sent out two by two for fieldwork training and had just come back. Through this fieldwork training, these apostles experienced the mighty power of God. They tasted the power and authority of God through their words and actions. They were thrilled to report the work of God. Imagine what the report meeting was like. Perhaps James said, "Well, at Jericho I preached the message of the kingdom of God. Then two paralytics cried with tears and asked for our prayer. Well, we prayed laying our hands on them and an awesome thing happened. They could walk!" Then Peter and Andrew came forward saying, "Well, would you like to hear about our work? In the town of Bethlehem we met one demon-possessed man. He shouted at the top of his voice and asked us to leave him alone, but in the name of Jesus we commanded the demons to come out of him. Well, that's exactly what happened." Many other disciples also reported about the mighty work of God. The meeting was full of excitement and joy. At the same time, the disciples were very tired because of their intensive and exhaustive work for several days or even weeks.
Look at verse 10b: "Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida." Jesus had a retreat with his disciples. Since there were so many people coming and going, the disciples needed a quiet place to rest. Jesus was very mindful of their condition. Jesus withdrew to a small town called Bethsaida, near where the Jordan River connected to the Sea of Galilee─a solitary, deserted place. Jesus knows that we all need to occasionally withdraw for rest and recuperation. Retreat! This is what is essential after hard work. Leaders in Toledo UBF also need a retreat in the later part of this year or early next year to plan together for the coming year. In this way, we will be able to rest, plan, and pray, and most importantly enjoy the company.
Look at verse 11a: "but the crowds learned about it and followed him." When the people saw Jesus' disciples leaving, they began to run along the edge of the lake. They needed Jesus. They wanted to come to Jesus. Each person was desperate. They came to Jesus like the high waves of the sea. Before the disciples arrived on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, all the crowds had arrived and were waiting for them. What options did Jesus have at this time? He could have said to these waiting people, “Well, not this time. Please see us later.”
Instead, in 11b we read, "He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing." Jesus’ plan for a quiet retreat was disrupted. Jesus withdrew the plan for a spiritual retreat. Jesus welcomed the crowds. Why did Jesus do that? Was it because Jesus rested enough while his disciples were working hard in the field? Jesus’ heart had sufficient room to welcome these people.
In the hands of Christ, this disruption became an opportunity for a larger, more wonderful work of God. However, Jesus was not always accommodating to the demands of the crowds. On many occasions Jesus clearly said, "No" to the demand of people and kept focusing on important priorities. (Mk 1:38; Jn 6-26-30; Mk 8:34-37) Yet, this time Jesus was willing to be interrupted. According to Mark 6:34, Jesus had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus felt great compassion toward them in the pit of his stomach. He saw the thousands as sheep without a shepherd. They were like children from broken families, who never had any chance to call, "Mom" and "Dad."
What a welcoming heart! This is essential for the great work of God. Jesus was not tired and weary at this time. This mental and emotional readiness to welcome others is an important preparation for the work of God. Be prepared to welcome others with an adequate reserve of energy. A ministry is possible if we have room for others. At this time Jesus had no particular burdens—no need for family responsibilities, no hint of exhaustive work.
Then, Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God. Jesus’ voice was clear, loud, and full of power. His voice was like the sound of rushing waters—the sound of Niagra Falls. (Rev 1:16) Jesus presented the kingdom of God to these people. What does the teaching about the kingdom of God entail? Certainly, the Sermon on the Mount must have been a part of this teaching. Jesus also certainly repeated the familiar themes of loving God and loving one’s neighbors including enemies.
The kingdom of God is real. God’s power works in the lives of people. His love displays the powerful changes in sinners. All these Jewish people who came to Christ had a basic sense of God. They knew the stories of God’s visits in the lives of people. What they were missing was a fresh perspective on God and his real intervention in this world. Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ is possible as people come to experience God in real ways. Thus, the kingdom of God is there when people experience the reality of God.
The kingdom of God is bigger and greater than any realities of this world. During the Staff Conference I conversed with a few leaders who have engaged in house church ministries for many years. Husbands and wives meet together. People come and go but no particular persons are added to their houses of worship. They opened their hearts after I shared my own stories of weaknesses and struggles in this life. Then, they asked my advice. My first suggestion for them was to consider combining at least two or three families. My next suggestion was to learn to be happy with God. God’s message flows through people who are content with God. However serious our life issues, they are small parts of who we are. Our life does not rise and fall by whatever we do in this life—our children, jobs, our successes and accomplishments, and even the ministries we are involved in. All these are certainly essential, but the kingdom of God is greater than all of these. Even a ministry which many (including myself) have considered most important is only an essential part of life. It is a tool for the kingdom of God. It is a venue but it is not the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is much larger than all we do. Ultimately, the kingdom of God is God himself. It is Jesus Christ. Whatever problems we face in this world, all these are from a much smaller reality than the kingdom of God that is appearing to us.
King Solomon, after discussing the real essential aspects of life, concluded by saying, “Now all has been heard: here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecc 12:13) Our Lord Jesus stated, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (Jn 17:3) We come to know these essentials of life after living long enough. If this day is the last day, should we not live happily? My prayer is, “Lord, help me to live even one day happy and content because of your grace and peace.” Since the kingdom of God is bigger and greater than any realities in this world, we can in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present our requests to God. How wonderful it is to live even one day with peace of God that God provides. The Bible promises, “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Php 4:7)
At one time, William Booth (at about eighty years old), the founder of the Salvation Army, received the news from his son that he would become blind. He asked, "Does that mean that I can no longer see your face any more?" "Yes, Dad," his son replied. Then he said, "Well, until now, I have served the Lord with my eyes. Now, I will serve the Lord without my eyes." Those are the words of a man who has the kingdom of God in his heart. Apart from the kingdom of God, it is easy for us to focus on either problems or people—mostly difficult people. But God is near. The kingdom of God is near. Therefore, we can rejoice always. (Php 4:4) Nothing in this world provides reasons to rejoice in all things. But the vision of the kingdom of God through Christ gives us reasons to rejoice always.
Along with the teachings about the kingdom of God, Jesus healed those who needed healing. Jesus paid attention to some of the immediate needs of the people. But Jesus did not forget to emphasize first things first. Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God.
Second, "You give them something to eat" (12-14a). Look at verse 12. The disciples patiently waited and expected Jesus to finish his teaching soon. But, Jesus continued until it was getting dark. So they worried about this situation. The disciples knew that they did not have anything to offer the people. So the Twelve came together and came to Jesus. The Twelve said in unison, "Please send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here." Certainly, they were tired and needed rest. They were very rational and practical. This is a way of setting one’s healthy boundary. Work on what is doable and get out of what is beyond us.
Look at verse 13a: "He replied, 'You give them something to eat.'" Jesus commands his disciples to give when they thought that they had nothing else to give. Miracles occur when we accept this challenge to give something to others. As long as we give to others, we receive. In our staff conference, Dr. Ruth Tucker shared her experiences. At one time she was struggling with her shattered life and dreams. She was in need of help. At this time she had a chance to take care of one older woman. In the course of taking care of the older woman, her soul found strength and comfort. While taking care of others, her soul found healing and restoration. The principle is still the same. We give something to others when we are in need. Amazingly, this giving life in the times of our need opens the door to miracles.
When did Jesus say, “You give them something to eat?” It is not when they had abundant resources. Rather, it is when they had only a small portion of food with them. This is Jesus' challenge to his disciples. Here, Jesus is stretching out the Twelve, the top leaders of the future. The Twelve did not find Jesus’ command unrealistic or even offensive.
Out of respect for Jesus, they went out and found five loaves and two small fish. So they answered, "We have only five loaves and two fish─unless we go and buy food for this entire crowd." Jesus' disciples brought five loaves of bread and two fish with some questions in their hearts. Jesus said, "You give them something to eat." The disciples responded with five loaves and two fish. In this way, God’s miracle was in progress.
Third, Jesus gave thanks and broke the five loaves and two small fish (14b-17). Look at verse 14b: “But he said to his disciples, ‘Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’ The disciples did so, and everybody sat down.” Jesus did not demand that his disciples feed this huge crowd of people─five thousand plus! What if he had left them saying, “Well, now you are going to be world class leaders. Show what you can do about this. I will be going now. Report to me later!” That would have been abusive and senseless. Instead, Jesus involved himself. Jesus followed through with his command, “You give them something to eat.” Rather than merely demanding that his disciples feed the crowd, Jesus offered a clear plan of how to feed them all. Jesus said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." Jesus had a clear plan of what to do. It was to feed the five thousand by any means.
Look at verse 16a: "Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them." Jesus did not despise the humble offering of his disciples. Jesus looked up to heaven. Why did Jesus look to heaven? It is because the real help comes from above. With his action Jesus taught his disciples that real help comes from God in heaven. God’s help comes from above as we look up to heaven. God’s miracle is possible as we with joy and thanksgiving present our requests to God. Merely looking at others does not resolve anything. We look up to heaven. We look up to God. Our help comes from above. “”Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)
The principles of miracles are actually quite familiar to us. The real miracle of all is not about feeding others—tens, hundreds, thousands, or even millions. Rather, it is to give what we have in the time of our real needs. A real key of miracles is with us. Five loaves and two fish are barely enough for just the Twelve. But when they offered this, there was a miracle.
Next week some practical matters will be concluded for the renovation and expansion. Soon we will have a somewhat larger place of worship. This is possible because many of us have offered our “five loaves and two fish.” We offered ours and then others joined with us. The real miracle will begin beyond the new building. Miracles keep coming as we respond to Jesus’ challenge, “You give them something to eat.” The responsibility of feeding young people who are in need of God is ours.
“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Mk 10:27) Think about situations which are beyond what we can bear. As we live with issues that stretch out our normal responses and make demands beyond our strength, we can think about this passage—Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand. This passage continues to speak to us about the possibility of miracles in our lives. Miracles are about those whose hearts are open enough to welcome others. Miracles occur when we give something to others in obedience to Jesus. As we count the blessings God has given to us and offer what God has given to us, we expect God’s greater miracles. Miracles require follow through actions with Jesus. Praise and thank God who completes the work that he starts until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil 1:6)
October 18, 2009; Dr. Paul Hong; Toledo, UBF
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
