Welcome!
Our passage this week is a beautiful reminder that God’s compassion is not limited by our resources. When Jesus withdrew to a quiet place after hearing of John the Baptist’s death, He was met by a crowd in need. Instead of turning them away, He healed their sick and fed them, not just enough to get by, but so abundantly that there were baskets of leftovers. In our own lives, we often feel like we don’t have enough- not enough time, energy, money, or ability to meet the needs around us. But this story shows us that God doesn’t ask us to have enough; He asks us to bring what we have and place it in His hands. So, let’s bring our “five loaves and two fish” to Him today, whatever that looks like in our lives,  and watch what Jesus can do. In His hands, our little becomes more than enough.
 
Small boy looking at the 12 baskets of scraps left over after Jesus fed the 5,000.
 
  "Jesus replied, “They don't have to leave. Why don't you give them something to eat?” But they said, “We have only five small loaves of bread and two fish.” Jesus asked his disciples to bring the food to him, and he told the crowd to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up toward heaven and blessed the food. Then he broke the bread and handed it to his disciples, and they gave it to the people. After everyone had eaten all they wanted, Jesus' disciples picked up twelve large baskets of leftovers.”
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the tender compassion of Jesus, who, even in moments of personal sorrow, looked upon the crowd with love and met their needs. Just as Jesus took the five loaves and two fish and multiplied them to feed thousands, take the little we have, our time, our gifts, our resources, and use them for Your glory. Open our eyes to see the needs around us, and give us the courage to respond with generosity, even when we feel we have little to give. Remind us that You are the true source of provision, and that when we place our trust in You, there will always be enough. May our lives reflect the compassion of Christ, our words bring comfort, and our actions point others to Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:  *Matthew 14:16-20 (CEV)
Image: “The boy who shared his lunch counts the baskets of leftovers." Artist: Review & Herald Publishing. Licensed through GoodSalt.com 
Margin Image: Licensed through GoodSalt.com