If you have time today, take a moment and read Matthew 15:32-39. Then I would invite you to compare and contrast these two similar stories. What are some of the differences?
- The number served went from 5000 to 4000.
- The number of Days people had been with Jesus
What else?
Is it the same amount of food?
Is it the same amount left over?
The disciples still are worried about having enough. I wonder does that mean that they didn't learn from the first time they witnessed Jesus feed the large crowd? If so why?
Is there something else we can learn from the disciples in this story?
Their question of "Where can we get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" is different. The first time they said, "we have nothing but five loaves and 2 fish." (NRSV) So are we still dealing with the same mistake? Could this be the same situation just being told again?
What I see in both situations is the disciples misunderstanding of what is enough. And isn't that true for us today? Don't we constantly struggle with the question of how much is enough? How much do we need to retire? How much do we need in savings? How much room do we need for our family? How much room do we need in our next car?
So I challenge you to think about what the culture around us says is enough. Then talk with someone about what guidelines or criteria do you use in assessing what is enough in your own life and family.
Then maybe for lent you can give something up?
You know... Give something up that you have enough of or maybe stop getting something you have enough of already. Do you really need another pair of Shoes? Do you really need another tie? Do you really need another shirt or pair of socks?
Then give something away to someone who needs it more than you or buy something for someone else instead of yourself.
Just a thought.
No comments:
Post a Comment