Listen

Jesus looked up and saw the large crowd coming toward him. He asked Philip, “Where will we buy food to feed these people?” Jesus said this to test him, for he already knew what he was going to do.

Philip replied, “More than a half year’s salary worth of food wouldn’t be enough for each person to have even a little bit.”

One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, “A youth here has five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that for a crowd like this?”

John 6:5-9

Think

Problem solving is a useful skill, and some of us have honed this skill better than others. It takes practice, and with more experience, it might even help us gain wisdom. At first glance, today’s story seems to be an example of problem solving 101 for the disciples. People are hungry, money is insufficient, and the available resources are laughable: a child’s lunch of bread and sardines. Real-life problems for the twelve disciples, two of whom are actively trying to problem solve with their teacher.

Maybe that’s a take-away for us in today’s select verses of this popular story. God is part of the problem solving. We work with God to address the needs of our communities, schools, and wider societies. God was involved then and is still involved today. With God’s holy presence, may we put together our minds and hearts, trusting in the one who is our help this day.

Aram Feinberg

Question to Ponder:

When was a time when I needed God’s counsel and help?

Pray

God, thank you for the stories of Jesus and his disciples working together for good. Help me to remember that you are my help and counselor. Inspired by your Holy Spirit, may I be comforted to know that you are with me when I face problems of all kinds.

Amen.

Go

May the God of love bless you and keep you.

May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious toward you.

And may the Spirit of truth lead you in the path of wisdom and peace.

And God’s people say: Amen.