Read Luke 9:10-17

Christ Serves the Hungry

“Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them,

and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude” (v. 16).

   Have you ever served in a shelter house for the homeless? I have not, but I know people who enjoy the ministry of helps. Three people come to mind. Our church honors those who help others, so my son-in-law has served meals at a downtown mission a few weeks before Christmas. My hairdresser goes one day a month to the same mission. She began this service with hesitation, but now it’s her sweet blessing to serve. My sister leads a Bible study for inmates at a prison, and she’s done this for many years. What impresses the women is that they can count on her being there; her faithfulness is appreciated.

The crowd who gathered to hear Jesus that day could not be called homeless, but they would have missed a meal and more of Jesus’ teaching if not for the miracle of feeding the 5000 (not counting women and children). With no grocery store nearby, Jesus took what was available – five loaves of bread and two fish – and turned these into a banquet for the multitude. With His blessing, all were satisfied. (Ann Coker)

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,

Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;

Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,

Cords that are broken will vibrate once more.

–Fanny Crosby

Taking one’s turn to serve others is no chore.