Beyond the Weekend

November 5 | The Lesson on Multiplication

November 5, 2020

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Mark 6:41

Read: Mark 6:30-44

Listen: Mark 6

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus and the disciples are exhausted. They just want to get away but can’t as the crowd follows them. Then we see one of the most beautiful things in the Bible as Jesus has compassion on the crowd (a key word to star). The disciples, already exhausted, want to send the crowd away at dinner time. It sets up an interesting interaction that maybe went like this—Disciples: Send them away. Jesus: Give them something. Disciples: You have got to be kidding. It would take a half-year of wages. Jesus: How much do you have? Disciples: Five loaves and two fishes. Jesus: Bring what you have. Jesus then multiplies what they have into enough food to feed everyone. The disciples pass the food out and collect 12 baskets of leftovers. Jesus uses them to feed the crowd. He multiplies what they have.

The disciples were exhausted, and we may find ourselves exhausted. Even in our exhaustion, Jesus wants to partner with us. He wants us to bring what we have. The disciples brought five loaves and two fish. It didn’t seem like much, and it wasn’t ideal.

This season can often feel like that too. There isn’t much we can do, and it sure isn’t ideal. In this season, we can still develop a heart for people like Jesus’ heart for the people. We bring what we have by encouraging our kids even when we feel grumpy. We bring what we have by going to school, wearing our mask with a smile underneath and bringing a good attitude for our teachers. We bring what we have by showing up to and participating in our small group, whether we are meeting virtually or in person. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion tells us that when we bring what we have, often we will be stunned and amazed at how Jesus multiplies what we bring. The Spirit of God works in us to meet the work he is doing in them.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Identify where you find yourself fatigued right now. Think through how you can bring what you have to the people in that area of your life. Ask God to work in you and them. Ask him for his heart for those people.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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