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Scripture: Matthew 15:32-39 (Common English Bible)
32 Now Jesus called his disciples and said, “I feel sorry for the crowd because they have been with me for three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry for fear they won’t have enough strength to travel.”
33 His disciples replied, “Where are we going to get enough food in this wilderness to satisfy such a big crowd?”
34 Jesus said, “How much bread do you have?”
They responded, “Seven loaves and a few fish.”
35 He told the crowd to sit on the ground. 36 He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish. After he gave thanks, he broke them into pieces and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 Everyone ate until they were full. The disciples collected seven baskets full of leftovers. 38 Four thousand men ate, plus women and children. 39 After dismissing the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan.
Summary:
Through the season of Lent, we will walk with Jesus through the wilderness as God prepares us the journey ahead. The Negro Spiritual, “Wade in the Water,” reminds us that our journey to wholeness and freedom is not easy, but God is with us. Our Lenten journey is not supposed to be easy, but through it, God builds in us new faith, new love, new hope and renewed mission in Jesus’ name!
It is not enough to feel bad about the condition of the people, Jesus is moved to do something about it. Jesus shows the way of moving from pity to empowerment.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about compassion?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?