#54 Luke 9:10-17 You Give Them Something To Eat

On January 16, 2022 by

Joy:
Episode #54 Luke 9:10-17

Welcome

Joy:
Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here. I’m Joy Burgin, and usually, I’m here with my mom, Amy Burgin. She’s out this week, but don’t worry, she’ll be back.

If you are anything like us, you desire to spend time with Jesus every day. This podcast makes space for that. Each week we read a passage from the Bible several times and create stillness after each reading that we also might be still and know God.

We are in a series that takes us through the book of Luke. Today’s passage includes the word apostle. It’s not a word we use regularly in modern culture and it’s easy to mix up the words disciple and apostle. A disciple is a learner, a student. An apostle is a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. It seems you cannot be an apostle unless you are first a disciple.

In Episode 52, Jesus sent his twelve chosen apostles out to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God and to heal the sick, and they did. Today’s episode describes what happened upon their return. 

Pour Out Your Heart to God

Joy:
Before I read today’s passage, take a few moments to give God the things that are on your mind. Maybe it’s tension, desire, hope, gratitude, depression, or a mix of all these things and more. Whatever is on your mind, name it and bring it to the Lord in this next minute.

What Does This Passage Say About God?

Joy:
As I read the passage for the first time, consider the question, What does this passage say about God?

Luke 9:10-17 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “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.”

He replied, “You give them something to eat.”

They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Again?

Luke 9:10-17 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “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.”

He replied, “You give them something to eat.”

They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about God?

[Pause and know]

What Does This Passage Say About People?

Joy:
As I reread the passage, consider the question: What does this passage tell you about people?

Luke 9:10-17 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “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.”

He replied, “You give them something to eat.”

They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about people?

[Pause and know]

Lord, What Would You Have Me Know Or Do Today?

Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God the question, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”

Luke 9:10-17 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “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.”

He replied, “You give them something to eat.”

They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

[Pause and listen]

Blessing

Joy:
Christgazer, your delight is in the Word of the Lord, which is why you’re listening to this podcast. Therefore, you are blessed as it says in Psalm 1:2-3, you are a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all you do, you prosper.

This is the Word of the Lord.

One Response

Joy:
In her book, “The Greatest Gift, Unwrapping The Full Love Story of Christmas,” Ann Voskamp says, “the mattering part is never what isn’t.” 

Let me say that again.

“The mattering part is never what isn’t.”

Your lack is not what matters.

Your lack does not define your capability.

The mattering part is what Jesus says and how we respond.

Jesus defines our capability.

Jesus gave clear instructions, “You give them something to eat.” That’s a big goal and the disciples couldn’t understand how in the world they could accomplish it.

So Jesus gave a small task they could easily follow, “Have them sit down in groups of fifty.” The disciples did not know exactly what would happen next but they obeyed this one step and Jesus did the rest.

Closing

Joy:
My mom and I will be back next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, don’t forget, when you put your trust in Christ, you are one in whom he dwells and delights, a dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails, and so do you.

It blesses me to hear from you! Please leave a reply here.