Mark 8:4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these [men] with bread here in the wilderness?
When we look at Jesus’ ministry, He mostly preached to crowds outside the city limits, in the wilderness. Compare that to today’s Preachers; they look at the convenience of people and thus have events organized nearby to settlements.
People can argue that in those days there were no public stadiums or large areas within city limits to manage large crowds. Market areas or gardens were the next option, and Jesus did preach there.
The argument holds true, but what we see is that four thousand went through inconvenience to hear Him; like in today’s scripture, they were far from city limits, and no food was available. With them was a boy who was hawking food, and he had just 7 loaves of bread and some fish. Jesus used these 7 loaves to feed the 4000, and all ate their fill; the leftovers, when gathered, filled 7 baskets. If one understands the way the two multiplications happened, they will realise why it became the talk of the town, such that Jesus’ siblings used it to mock Him. People themselves were involved in performing the miracle.
God is the provider of harvest. Let us not run after the people; let us go to them, but always remember we need to seek quality over quantity. One sheep is greater than a hundred goats and a thousand others. Let us not compromise on how and what we preach, such as not offending people, but remember Jesus’ very first preaching was such a super hit that people wanted to kill Him.
[Prayer Starter]
Lord, You are Almighty God. You, Lord alone, are God, and there is none like You. You are Holy and expect that we too seek holiness. Lord, we pray that we understand although we are called to be gentle yet we cannot compromise on values and the message. We pray we seek sheep instead of lots of goats, the sheep hear Your voice and follow You…
We make this prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Mark 1:45 But he went out, and began to publish [it] much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
Mark 2:13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.
Luke 5:15-16
15 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.