Author Peter Rollins offers a jolting retelling of Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000. Rollins recounts how the swarming crowds thwarted Jesus’ efforts to find solitude in a boat. As the crowds poured into this remote location, it became obvious that they needed food. The disciples could only scrounge up five loaves of bread and a few fish, Jesus miraculously multiplied the meager supplies, producing piles of food. Here Rollins turned the biblical story in a disturbing direction, concluding that “Jesus and His disciples ate like kings” and “what was miraculous . . . was that when they finished this massive banquet,” there wasn’t a crumb left for the starving people.
Of course, this was not at all the way the story actually ended, which is precisely Rollins’ point. In the biblical telling, 5,000 men (plus women and children—probably 10- to 12,000 in all) ate their fill; and with everyone stuffed, Jesus’ disciples gathered up “twelve baskets of leftovers” (Matthew 14:20).
Nothing in the biblical story could be further from Rollins’ parable of selfishness and greed. At the beginning of the narrative, the gospel writer Matthew noted that Jesus felt intense compassion for the throngs that overwhelmed Him (v.14). This compassion moved Him to first “heal their sick” even before He began to fill their bellies (v.14).
Rollins’ ending is not intended to raise questions of Jesus—but questions of us. If we consider it scandalous that Jesus and His disciples would hoard food from the hungry crowd, do we consider it just as scandalous if we do the same?
While Jesus provided generous food for everyone, I’m often consumed with making sure there is just enough for me. I can’t say I follow Jesus if I hoard God’s generosity for myself.
More:
• Psalm 112
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
• James 2:14-16
Next:
Where do you struggle the most with generosity toward others? Where, this week, can you follow Jesus’ example of selfless giving?
annej on April 8, 2010 at 5:24 am
It is humbling to think how much I have and how little others in my own community have. This is a good reminder we are responsible to help others personally, thru church, community organizations. Thank you God for blessing all my needs.
bethsjourney on April 8, 2010 at 7:34 am
Yes God, thank you for all of my blessings. I often want to give, give, give…but then the thoughts come creeping into my mind of, “what if in a few days or weeks my family is in need and no one wants to help us? Or, what if that person I am compelled to help doesn’t really need it, they are just lazy or scamming?” These are thoughts I should not have, because Jesus Christ will provide for my family in times of need, and God will hand down the judgment on those who are scamming folks. Am I looking at this clearly? Would someone help me out here? God bless everyone today!
Soldier4Christ on April 8, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Dear Beth, don’t let Satan put those doubts in your head. You are right in saying that God will always provide for you and your family. Pray about it to God and see where He leads you. I am certain if you pray asking God for His guidance in the area of giving He will let you know what you should do.
winn collier on April 8, 2010 at 8:22 am
Isn’t it encouraging to know that one of the central experiences (and symbols) of our faith is a table, where all are invited to come and be filled?
axcvilla on April 8, 2010 at 9:15 am
Nothing is more beautiful and more telling about Jesus’ own character than these two sentences.
The people were hungry. So, he fed them.
It tells me that though He was God, he was fully man. He knows what hunger feels. He knows and he has compassion. He has compassion and acts on it.
If this were the attitude of the church, f only we had the same heart for people as Jesus did. It would not be a far off reality to think that the church would be at the forefront – meeting the needs of the world.
The Gospel is good news. But often times people are too sick, too hungry, to hear it. So, why not just feed them – show them.
It reminds me of Jesus’ challenge to Peter:
“Do you love me? Then, feed my sheep.”
Soldier4Christ on April 8, 2010 at 11:56 am
axcvilla, You are right that this is the attitude that the church should have and there are many good churches out there with outreach programs to help those who are sick, hurting and hungry. God is at work through these programs, but we as brothers and sisters in Christ can do more. Times are hard for many many people and now more than ever we need to step up to help where we can. That may be in donations, or becoming a volunteer, or simply praying. We all need to do something and in that doing we will grow in the Lord.
remae03 on April 8, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Always Enough by Casting Crowns
Paul G on April 8, 2010 at 7:21 pm
We all have a heart problem – which clearly shows itself when we are more concerned about our own well being then that of others. The solution – ask God to change your heart -to give you a heart that is like Jesus – ask Him to break your heart over the things that break His heart.
Soldier4Christ on April 8, 2010 at 11:59 am
Dear Blessed, wow it sounds like to me that you have raised an awesome daughter. Talk about faith in God. That is the way that we all need to be, to fully put our trust in God and let Him work. Too often we try and do it all ourselves when really we need to rely on Him.