Have you ever wondered why there are lot of stories about feeding and events that include coming together to eat and fellowship, in the new testament? There are so many examples of Christ's apparent concern for the needs of the people around him - healing needs, deliverance needs, teaching needs and also physical nourishment of the people.
In John 6, the Word says he looked at the crowd following him, and was concerned about their physical nourishment.
This shows a very practical approach to human needs. In Matt 4, the disciples were more inclined to send the people away after they received their miracles. Totally get it...I would also be so inclined. I can hear me saying. " what else do you want from him, blood?"
(And yes blood. That would be right, he also gave it away) Instead of heeding the words of his disciples and sending the people off to go buy food or cater to their needs, he fed the thousands with 5 loaves and 2 fishes.
That practicality echoes through the new testament, echoed by James , dropping the zinger about praying for the hungry vs actually doing something about it, as an example of faith without works.
James 2:15-17 Suppose a brother or sister does not have any clothes or daily food and one of you tells them, “Go in peace! Stay warm and eat heartily.” If you do not provide for their bodily needs, what good does it do? In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead.
Feeding the hungry is something that should be ingrained in us as Christians, however I am trying to get to a more subtle truth. The more subtle point is the warmth, community, fellowship, connections that were always encouraged in his presence. Definitely fueled by his teachings but also encouraged along by fulfilling one of the primary needs of men & women alike - food. Think of people hovering and talking together at the office coffee machine or at the water cooler, connecting with friends over dinner, large family dinners - these are the instances that fuel relationships and connections. It builds community. How do we ensure we are creating these opportunities for connection today, whilst sharing his word..
Derin Bello
She works a 9-5 job, has 3 kids and is also called to minister next to her husband.
Derin is an award winning songwriter, recording artist and a member of the FRC pastoral team. She is passionate about people and helping others to unleash their full potential in Christ