Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21, Isaiah 55:1-5, and Matthew 14:13-21
The words of Matthew make us recall many things. Herod the tetrarch killed John the Baptist. However, upon hearing the news of Jesus’ ministry, he thought that John the Baptist had risen. Upon hearing this news in Galilee, Jesus must have thought about the mission and time given to him.
First, resurrection makes us think of someone. The concept of resurrection was held among Zoroastrians and Jews in the Persian region at that time. However, they also could not see this with their own eyes. Herod was filled with fear and guilt, so he mistakenly thought that John the Baptist had risen. At the same time, Jesus came to be recognized as a prophet surpassing John the Baptist through various miracles and teachings.
Beloved, John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus through his faithful ministry. It is a valuable thing to be remembered by many people to the extent that they think of John through the ministry of Jesus. Likewise, if someone can think of Jesus through our lives, it will be a great and valuable thing.
Second, we need to pay close attention to the beginning of the miracle of feeding over 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. This is because there is Jesus’ compassion and gratitude there. Jesus wanted to go to a solitary place, but a large crowd followed him. This was an act that helped Herod, who wanted to execute Jesus. If 5,000 to 10,000 people suddenly marched in downtown Red Deer and gathered at Bower Ponds or Westerner Park right now, it would be news. Likewise, at that time, the fact that as many as 10,000 people who were not favourable to the regime gathered and moved was an event that would cause a major problem. Despite the threats approaching Jesus, He first felt compassion for the people.
The original word for this large crowd is “oklos,” and they were not rich or nobles. It is a word used to refer to disadvantaged people in society. So, Jesus understood their hunger and worried about them. Naturally, these were people who didn’t even have a good house. For them, mealtime is meaningless. Since there was nothing to eat, it would be reasonable for the disciples to suggest sending them to a village to buy food. However, that was not responsible behaviour. Faced with the attempt to separate the disciples from “Oklos,” Jesus speaks to the disciples. “You give them something to eat.” The disciples’ response to Jesus’ statement is also very right. “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.” It is difficult to share what I have with others when I don’t even have enough to eat myself. It was not enough for the 13 of them to eat, so how could they share this with over 5,000 or 10,000 people? Here, we can discover compassion and gratitude that transcend rationality. Jesus tells his disciples to bring bread and fish. Then, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Everyone ate their fill, and the leftover pieces filled twelve baskets. Jesus performs miracles starting with thanksgiving. He confirms their mission to the disciples, who are disappointed by the less bread and fish. He tells them, “You are the ones who must serve them and give them something to eat.” Of course, it may be difficult for us to perform miracles as Jesus did. However, our identity is as clear as that of the disciples. The fact is that we are servants. At the same time, we are also children who receive grace from Jesus.
As one example, I believe that the magic of exchange rates can create another miracle. The fact is that if the power of the dollar grows stronger as Canada becomes wealthier, we can effectively work miracles by pooling small amounts of money through Presbyterian Sharing and Presbyterian World Service and Development.
Most recently, last winter, we delivered groceries to the Food Bank and Mustard Seed through our church’s Mission Committee. This spring, we supported the Red Deer Amethyst House (Canadian Mental Health Association) through pancake fundraising. I believe that although our church is small, it is a meaningful community. And I hope that we become a church that expands these miraculous things.
So, I would like to deliver this message to you again and again. Please tell everyone—neighbours and friends—“Come all of you.” As proclaimed by the prophet Isaiah, “Come all who are thirsty, have no money. Give ear and come to me. Listen, that you may live.” Please continue to invite all of them to come to God. Let us continue to encourage our friends to live a satisfying life in the Lord, just like the people who became the main characters of the miracles performed by Jesus. If my soul lives and the souls of my neighbours live, and the sure grace granted by God does not cease, we will be able to experience the Kingdom of God on earth. I hope you dwell in God’s sovereignty.
Finally, the gracious and compassionate Lord will give the Lord’s peace to all of us. Let us live responding with “Amen.”