Devotion:
Read Matthew 15:29-38.
This is the second time in “The Gospel According To Matthew” that Jesus fed a large crowd with just a small amount of available food. Back in chapter 14 is the story of him feeding over 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. In this scene a chapter later, we’re told he fed over 4,000 with seven loaves of bread “and a few small fish.”
Initially, he proposes that they feed the people, but the disciples are skeptical of being able to provide enough food. (You can’t help but ask “Did they completely forget what he did before?!) Jesus specifically asks them how much bread they have available, but I would suggest we make that a more general question that he asks all of his followers for all time: “How much do you have?”
How much of anything do you have? We usually think first of money when that question is asked. That is certainly one option for where the question can be directed. But there are others. How much of other physical resources do you have (clothes, or just “stuff” that fills your drawers and cabinets, attic or basement)? How much time do you have? How much knowledge and experience do you have?
In both of the stories where Jesus fed thousands of people, when what was available was given to Jesus, he used it to do something miraculous. It can still happen today. Give whatever you have to God and be assured more good than you can imagine will come from it.
Personal Worship Option:
What might you have that you think is insignificant that you could give to God for God’s mission and ministry?
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