Believe me...really!

The guys saw a number of things in this passage; Jesus giving thanks for the meal, meeting with his disciples after ministering, the disciples' obedience to Jesus, Jesus' compassion towards the multitude, and Jesus' Leadership.

The one that spoke to me the most was Jesus' Leadership and how he led his disciples by

1. Keeping them accountable: After the disciples returned from Jesus sending them out two by two to preach and evangelize, he met with them so they could "share with him all they had done and taught."
2. Being sensitive to their needs: Jesus recognized that it's important to take a rest...we see this not only since the beginning of his ministry, but the beginning of time also.
3. Showing compassion towards the crowd: When they arrived at the other side of the lake, there was a crowd waiting for him. Even though they were tired, the compassion Jesus had for the lost (sheep w/o a shepherd) called his attention more than what his desire to rest.
4. Encouraging them to BELIEVE: This probably had the most impact on me because I've never seen this passage this way. The disciples said, "send them away so they can go and get something to eat." They saw their need...that's good. Then Jesus says, "YOU feed them." Sometimes, we like to see the need and expect someone else to meet it. The disciples couldn't fathom how they could feed so many people, they doubted their ability. Really, they couldn't do anything about it, but Jesus could. He told his disciples to give him what they had and he took it...and performed a miracle! You might think you don't have much to offer, but God will use what you have for His glory...if you give it to Him.
5. Organizing them: I thought this was interesting how Jesus was able to accomplish this task and organize the huge crowd. He told the disciples to divide them into small groups of 50-100 and hand the food out.

After everyone had eaten and were satisfied the disciples gathered 12 basketfulls of left-over bread. God not only provided for the needs of the people, but there was more than enough. This looks like God saying "Believe me...really!"