Invitation And Challenge

His disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can . . . buy something to eat.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.”

Mark 6:35-37

GOD DESIGNED US FOR RELATIONSHIP. At our core, we long to connect with people on more than just a superficial level. When Jesus calls people to follow Him, He’s not inviting “bad” people to become “good” people. Rather, He’s inviting us into an intimate relationship with Him.

In Mark 6, the disciples were returning from being sent out on a missionary journey by Jesus. We don’t know how long they had been away, but they had worked hard and had stories to tell of their travels. When they returned to Jesus, His first response was an invitation to come away with Him in order to rest and be with Him (Mark 6:31).

It didn’t take long before Jesus’ spiritual retreat with His disciples was interrupted by a large crowd. After watching Jesus tend to and teach the crowd, the disciples noticed that it was getting late. They suggested sending the crowd of thousands away to find dinner for themselves. Were the disciples tired and hungry and eager for Jesus to finish? Probably, but Scripture doesn’t say.

Jesus’ response to the disciples’ suggestion was surprising. He said, “You give them something to eat.” Five thousand people! Even though Jesus sought to nurture and care for His disciples, He also gently pushed them outside their comfort zones to a place where they had to trust Him and depend on Him. The same thing happens in our lives, too.

BOTTOM LINE

Where is Jesus inviting you to trust Him more? Where is He challenging you to increase your dependence on Him?

Moment of Strength: John 14:1