Luke 9:1-17
9: And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. 9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.
10 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12 Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” 13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Reflection
In this well-known story of the feeding of the 5,000 we have a picture of God’s provision and power. This wilderness meal reminds us of God’s promise that one day we will no longer be hungry in this broken world because we will be satisfied in a new one (Luke 6:21). This is the future hope that is guaranteed to those who believe the gospel.
At the same time, this story shows that God’s provision for us is sure and abundant despite the weakness of our faith and understanding. Even the disciples were immature in these things (9:13). Nevertheless, the grace of the gospel shines forth. Jesus still gladly and graciously supplies what they cannot supply for themselves, showing us the reliability of our great Provider.
Philippians 1:18b-26
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Reflection
Paul gives here one of the main themes of the letter: rejoicing in the gospel no matter what the circumstances. This kind of joy is not blind, naive, or in denial about the suffering in the world. It is a joy that finds its confidence in the fact that God’s purposes will triumph in the end (Phil. 1:19).
Paul’s joy is evident, even as he faces a personal dilemma (v. 23). He considers the possibility of death by Roman execution, and wonders which is better: remaining on earth to labor for Christ (v. 22) or dying and therefore being with Christ (v. 23). Either way, since Paul values Jesus above all things, Christ will be honored (vv. 20–21).
When we are consumed with a passion for the person and purposes of Jesus Christ, neither life nor death can destroy our joy; both are opportunities to demonstrate that Jesus is our ultimate Treasure (see Matt. 13:44).
Psalm 32:10-11
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
Ask God to give you such an awareness of the supreme value of Jesus that nothing can threaten your joy. Pray that Christ would be so satisfying that it could be said that, for you, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.