July 23, 2026
I Have Compassion - Part 4
Mark 8:5-7
07/23/2026
5 And he asked them, ``How many loaves do you
have?'' They said, ``Seven.''
6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the
ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having
given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his
disciples to set before the people; and they set
them before the crowd.
7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed
them, he said that these also should be set before
them. (ESV)
God works through means to provide in times of need. As
Jesus told His disciples, ``I have compassion on the crowd,'' He
showed His love for all people.
And [Jesus] asked them, ``How many loaves do you
have?'' They said, ``Seven.'' And he directed the
crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven
loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave
them to his disciples to set before the people; and
they set them before the crowd. And they had a few
small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these
also should be set before them.
This is not the first time that the disciples saw Jesus feed
a multitude with a few loaves of bread and several dried fish.
Yet, this miracle was out of the ordinary, not that God provides
food and shelter, but the He did so without the normal labor
normally associated with baking bread. Jesus multiplied the
loaves and fish, thus feeding the crowd.
In providing for our needs, in ordering all things in heaven
and earth, God gives us food when we are hungry, clothing when we
are naked, and shelter when we are homeless. He does this
through the hands of those who fear and love Him, who serve Him
by serving their neighbors. Therefore we pray:
O God, whose never-failing providence orders all things
both in heaven and earth, we humbly implore You to put
away from us all hurtful things and to give us those
things that are profitable for us.
May our Lord grant us grace that we may help those in need,
being the hands of God in action, because of His compassion.
Amen.