Reflective Learners
Opening Prayer
As you focus on God now, offer him words of praise and thanks for who he is and all he does.
Read LUKE 9:10-17
[10] When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, [11] but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. [12] Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” [13] He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish-unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” [14] (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” [15] The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. [16] Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. [17] They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What's the most surprising thing Jesus said here?Jesus coached his team. After they had watched him preach and heal he sent them out to do it on their own. Now they are returning to base to talk about what’s happened (10). Stand in the disciples’ shoes. They are probably excited, inspired, confused and exhausted, and then five thousand people come along with them on their retreat (11)!
We know that the disciples traveled without money and food. They would have been hungry and were probably wondering where their next meal would come from, given that there were about five thousand people and no nearby stores. But as much as reflection was important, the people came first (11) and once again Jesus is completely practical. These people need to eat and the distribution of food was a team effort (13-17).
When do you get space and time to reflect on what God is doing in your life and in your world? When do you get time to reflect together with others on the team? This might be through prayer, writing or through retelling the story of where God has been at work this week.
Apply
Find time today to speak with another believer about what God has done and is doing. Encourage each other.
Closing prayer
Lord, thank You for the other believers who are with me on Your team. May we know and celebrate all You do.
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