AS MUCH AS THEY WANTED

While on the mission trip to PV, the Lord directed me to a passage of scripture which I have been marinating in since. The passage is found in John 6. In verse 11, we pick up the account of Jesus feeding the 5,000. It says, "And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted." It is such a privilege to be allowed to participate in the miracles Jesus does. I want to highlight the end of this scripture as it says Jesus gave them as much as they wanted. Not just what they needed.

After this miracle, Jesus sent his team to the other shore, across the sea. It so happened that the disciples encountered a great storm and got into fear. I found it amazing that as soon as they willingly welcomed Jesus on the boat, they immediately reached their destination (vs. 21). (That's a side note!)

The next day, Jesus and his disciples found people had followed them to the other side. In verse 25, these people asked Jesus, "Rabbi, when did You come here?" Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled." Jesus met a practical need which caused the people to seek Him.

Wow! What a great word. This word is an inspiration to me when it comes to giving and meeting the needs of people. I love to give. It would be so fun to give someone as much as they want and not just as much as they need. While reading this passage, I am asking the Lord to increase my compassion for others.