you feed them

Today in the One Year Bible, we once more see Jesus taking an everyday question and turning it into a lesson for all time. We read from Luke 9:7-27.

The disciples come to Jesus and say that there are tons of people following them, and they're hungry. So they want to dismiss them so they can go get food. Jesus says, to them and to us, "You feed them."

And the disciples don't understand how, but Jesus multiplies the fish and loaves and everyone is full and happy. But we get a good lesson today. Jesus wants US to feed His sheep, too. That's exactly what He told Peter when He was forgiving and reinstating him. "Feed my sheep."

Now, it's pretty obvious who the sheep are. The poor and needy of the world are His sheep, whether they are followers of Jesus or not. And how do we "feed them"? Well, first by literally feeding them. But then also by meeting their other needs. And if they are in trouble, we need to rescue them. Leave the 99 to go search for the one.

How can you feed His sheep today? That's how we demonstrate our love for Him, right? That's how we love God. By feeding His sheep. What can you do today? Well, bare minimum, you can pray for them. So be sure to do at least that. But can you volunteer at a soup kitchen? Give a couple dollars to a homeless person? Give someone a ride to school or to church? There are opportunities all around you. Just give yourself plenty of time getting to where you're going, because if you're in a rush, you're not going to see any of them.

God, thanks for giving us the privilege of feeding Your sheep. Please help us find them.