Jesus Has Compassion on All (2)

He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

John 6:6

Yesterday, we started looking at the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand, and we concluded that Jesus understands how we feel and has compassion on us. In the same way, He expects us to have compassion for others.

After these people had heard Jesus’ teachings, it was evident to all that they were tired and hungry. The disciples suggested that Jesus send them away into the surrounding countryside and villages so that they could get something for themselves. This statement seems logical, and to some, it might even show that the disciples cared about them and didn’t want them to starve. So, it seemed best to send them out to get food for themselves.

As I mentioned about my program yesterday, a week before the event, I sat with my committee to discuss the state of things. Some members suggested that I change the venue to a place I could use for free, even though it wouldn’t be the same. Others suggested cutting down the cost of feeding. All of these suggestions came from a place of care and a desire for success, but they were also very realistic. In the same way, the disciples of Jesus were being realistic. They looked at the situation and tried to offer a solution. Many of us are problem solvers; we can quickly come up with solutions, even in tight situations. We are sharp thinkers, just like the disciples. But what was Jesus’ response to them?

Jesus said to them, “You give them something to eat.” This response from Jesus must have disrupted their thinking. They must have thought, “How do we give them something to eat? We don’t even have anything.” This is how we often respond to God. We tell Him we don’t have what it takes to care for those He has placed in our care or brought to us for help. The disciples quickly calculated what it would take to feed these people and concluded that it would require over six months’ wages. When Jesus told them to give the people something to eat, their next question should have been how to go about it. But, like most people, they made conclusions based on what they could account for at that moment.

However, Jesus’ main concern was that if they truly cared about these people, they would give them something to eat. The disciples thought that sending them away showed they cared, but Jesus said that doing something about the problem truly shows care. Jesus is telling us not to push things away just because it seems like there’s nothing more we can do. Instead, like Jesus, we must understand that we are never stranded with God.

At this moment, take a look at situations in your life where you have given up because all your calculations didn’t work, your plans fell through, and it seems like there is nothing more you can do. Jesus is saying there is still something you can do: “Give them something to eat.” He says to all those who are weary and burdened, “Come and receive rest.” This is the attitude we must carry—a compassionate attitude like Jesus.