What Jesus Did! 'Concerned about the Hunger' — Mark 8:1-3

Thursday, May 9, 2024

About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, "I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance."
— Mark 8:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

Two concerns are on Jesus' heart. First, he cares about the physical needs, especially the hunger, of the crowd that has been following him. Second, he wants to help his disciples learn to trust that he will help them minister in situations beyond their ability. In this story that begins in today's passage and continues in the following verses, Jesus will help make sure both concerns are addressed. For me, this story is a reminder that ministry needs to occur on two fronts. First, we need to be raising up folks to help minister to others, using the gifts that God has given them. That means involving them in ministry and helping them learn to depend on the Christ they serve. If you have a ministry in which you now serve, then get others involved with you! If you do not have a ministry, find someone working in an area in which you are interested and ask to go along and learn to minister with them. Second, we must care for the needs of others — not just their spiritual needs, but also their physical needs. Jesus shows us a powerful way to do both things at once in this story.

Today's Prayer

Father, I pray that you will use me to serve others and to train others to serve. Please lead me to people I can effectively serve with your grace and help me not only to see the opportunity to serve, but also to follow through on that opportunity as well. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 3:13-15
  • Mark 6:6-7
  • John 20:19-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 8:1-3 NLT — "I feel sorry for these people."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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