Here's the Day 1 quesstion to prepare us for session 5. I've also sent you all invites to become authors of this blog, so you don't have to wait for Ron and I to post something each week. For the time being, I'm leaving this particular post "open", so feel free to comment below.
Look at a busy day of ministry for Jesus as described in Matthew 14:13-14. Verses 15-21 go on to tell us what happened later that day. What do you think Jesus was trying to accomplish in the hearts and lives of his disciples?
This question is so different from what I am accustomed since questions about this passage typically deal with the divinity of Jesus. Honestly, I don't know that I have ever thought of this passage in terms of what Jesus was trying to accomplish in the hearts of his disciples. The fact that this event takes place shortly after John the Baptist is beheaded gives a great frame of reference. Jesus was in mourning and wanted to be alone, but he took compassion on the crowds instead of being alone.
ReplyDeleteI think Jesus wanted his disciples to know there is a time for mourning and time for action. The crowds around them were hungry and sick and needed the love and nourishment (physical and spiritual) of their savior. This was no time for sending people away, this was a time to put others ahead of themselves. This was a time where Jesus challenged his disciples to care for people when it wasn’t convenient and trust in God to provide the resources to meet those needs. God can do big things with a little offering.
Tim's feedback about this passage was very similar. He talked about the power of prayer and having faith that the peoples' needs could be provided for (i.e. the miracle of feeding the 5000).
ReplyDeleteI kept thinking about the first couple versus where it specifically mentioned that Jesus retreated and spent time alone, most likely to talk to God. This echos the conversations we had yesterday during our study time where spending deliberate time with God in prayer is very important. He didn't just say his prayers in passing.
Scott and I talked about how Jesus clearly was putting others needs before his own. He took compassion on them despite the fact he was wanting to go away to mourn.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting piece to us was that Jesus knew they needed something and he even knew they would follow him before they ever did. Jesus knew he would not get to spend time alone and that others needs were more important at the time.
I think we need to look for the opportunities when we are called to immediate action and look past our own "needs".
I think Jesus was trying to teach the disciples that God will always provide even when you don't feel like u have enough...