MONDAY 3.13.23: Feeding and Being Fed
Read Luke 9:10-36
Jesus had the 12 help him feed 5,000 people. Jesus’ probing question led Peter to say Jesus was the Christ (Greek for “anointed one,” like the Hebrew “Messiah”). Yes, said Jesus, but bluntly added that being the Christ meant a path of suffering, for him and his followers. Yet Moses, Elijah, a flash of light, and God’s voice said he was the anointed one, despite his counterintuitive vision of what that meant.
Reflection
• Facing a large, hungry crowd, the disciples were prudent: “Send the crowd away so that they can go to the nearby villages and countryside and find lodging and food.” Jesus jolted them with, “YOU give them something to eat” (9:13). Does Jesus still call us to be a means for his power to help others? Why do we need to rely on Jesus’ power, not our own, to achieve God’s purposes?
• What a scene: Jesus’ face and clothes flashed like lightning, Moses and Elijah appeared, and God’s presence in a cloud overshadowed Peter, John, and James. God’s voice said of Jesus, “This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him!” What does it mean for you to listen to Jesus? Are you willing to do it?
Prayer: Humble Jesus, Peter said you are “the Christ sent from God.” You reminded him that serving a king like you is not always easy and comfortable. Build in me the backbone to serve you faithfully. Amen.