Loving the Needy – August 2, 2024

Read: Mark 6:35-44

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. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.
Mark 6:41-43

Loving the Needy

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

It’s probably one of Jesus’ most well-known miracles, the “Feeding of the 5,000.” Jesus and his disciples went by boat to a quiet place to rest. On the way, crowds of people hurried to get there before Jesus did. When Jesus saw them, he had compassion on the crowd and cared for their spiritual and physical needs. It was late in the day, and the disciples urged Jesus to send the people away so they could find something to eat. Jesus told his disciples, “You feed them.” All they could find was a boy with five loaves of bread and two small fish. Jesus had the people sit down in groups, give thanks for the food, and broke the loaves. He had his disciples distribute the food. They all ate and were satisfied. And there were twelve baskets of leftovers!

Jesus knows how to take care of the needs of his people. He might have been tired and looking forward to some quiet rest. Jesus doesn’t react with annoyance or frustration. He quickly adjusts his plans to serve the needs of people. He shows love and compassion.

Would you have done the same? How many times have you reacted negatively when someone interrupted your plans? It’s hard to stop thinking about what you want and focus on others. Isn’t it? That’s why it’s important to see Jesus’ compassion. Compassion is a word that refers to your intestines. Compassion is God’s gut feeling deep inside him and can’t be rooted out. Compassion is Jesus opening his hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing. He satisfied our hunger for forgiveness when he gave himself on the cross.

If God has met our every need through Jesus, what more do we need? May the sight of Jesus’ heart for service inspire us and fill us deep inside with his compassion.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, all my needs have been met by you. Thank you. Now, give me a heart of compassion so that I may be a blessing to others. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• In today’s devotion, how did Jesus feel about the people who were following him?
• What does it mean to be “compassionate”?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did Jesus meet the needs of the people in this lesson?
• TRUE or FALSE. If compassion isn’t your motive for giving to others, it’s better if you don’t give.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What physical blessings are evident in today’s Bible lesson? What spiritual blessings?
• It’s hard to put others’ needs before your own, but try. Before today ends, find a way to do it.