The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”
But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”
“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”
Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 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 set before 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.
The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.
And wherever he went – into villages, towns or countryside – they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
The service was moved from the Sanctuary to a social area that thankfully had air conditioning. We seem to be less able to handle the heat, and it was a blessing to be comfortable.
I noticed when we toured the beautiful Sanctuary after the service that there was directional signage; I don’t know if there was any signage the way we came in, but it looked like a good effort had been made to direct visitors.
I thought we were missing a cross till we stood and I could see one on the Communion table. (The Sanctuary has a large wooden one on the wall.) The room we were in has nice simple lines and colors, and it was later before I realized it wasn’t the Sanctuary.
We were only a few minutes late but had to find chairs to set up, as did others after us; a good problem to have.
The sermon, “Dangers of a Blinded Heart,” was part 2 and sprung from Mark’s relating the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. The point was brought out that the disciples had just returned from being sent out and were probably hungry, much like the crowd. I’m sure it made the task seem all the more impossible, but Christ fed them all with Living Water.
I think the Pastor’s knowledge and insight of Jewish tradition at the time of Christ adds a lot to his message.
I particularly liked the closing admonition to watch for when Jesus wants to perform miracles now. Most times I think we miss them.
The church is attempting to involve the neighborhood, and I think if the neighborhood knew they could get the Jewish perspective of Christ, they would be knocking on the door.
I was impressed by a young usher who stood upright without fidgeting while waiting for the offering plate to be returned.
Youth are well represented here, a good sign of church health.
This is a pretty church unexpectedly tucked into a residential neighborhood. It has ample parking and a beautiful park-type area with a shelter.
It was a blessing that worship was held in the air conditioned fellowship hall.
The moment we entered the door we noticed the directional signage. We arrived only moments before the service got underway, and after worship one of the leaders graciously took the time to show us around and answer our questions.
The children’s message had the pastor equating wearing a comfy, snuggly bathrobe with a hug from the Holy Spirit. Hopefully the children will recall this lesson as easily as I will, because I love my robe!
Three high school and two college graduates were recognized for their accomplishments.
The sermon title intrigued me: “Dangers of a Blinded Heart” was part 11 of the series “Jesus Revealed.”
Not being a fan of the circus, I never would have known that the lion tamer’s most important tool is his stool because the lion is unable to focus on all four of the legs at once.
I wondered what this had to do with Jesus’ miracles of walking on the water or feeding the 5,000, but the pastor pointed out that in both stories Jesus told the disciples what to do and He knew what they needed, but as it states in verse 52, “their hearts were hardened.”
The pastor declared that lives are so busy these days, we eat on the run and sleep too little. Like the circus lion, we try to focus on too many legs of the stool. Anxiety can paralyze us and our fears can prevent us from seeing Jesus. However, when God removes the blinders, we can see that He is indeed with us and willing to help us, our hearts are softened and we remember His love for us.
Just as Jesus knew what the disciples needed, He knows what we need. And just as He removed the blinders from the disciples’ hearts, He can remove ours as well.
As I listened to the reading of Scripture I realized that in the course of both miracles, Jesus gave the disciples instructions which they had no human way of fulfilling. It was only after the disciples asked Jesus for His help that He provided everything they needed and more than they ever asked or imagined.
I know I often forget that Jesus knows what I need, that He loves me and is with me constantly, and if I just ask Him, He’ll provide everything I need and more. I do know these things…I just need to remember to ask.
Father, we pray this church does open its doors to the neighbors who don’t know how much they need the message of Christ. We thank the pastor for taking up the cross and speaking Christ’s Good News. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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