October 17, 2026
Scriptures: Matthew 10, 14, Mark 6:7–56, Luke 9:1–17, John 6 |
Jesus has been showing the disciples what the Kingdom looks like, and now He sends them out to participate in the work themselves! He has equipped them. They preach, heal, and depend on God rather than carrying everything with them they might need. But Jesus is clear that following Him will not always bring acceptance. Some will welcome them, others will reject them, and faithfulness may become costly. Grace shows up in the fact that Jesus does not merely call His disciples to a mission, He gives them authority and goes on growing them through it.
Then thousands gather with almost nothing to eat. The disciples see five loaves and two fish and immediately recognize what they lack. Jesus sees the same small offering and feeds the crowd until everyone is satisfied. Later, He walks across the water toward terrified disciples. Again and again, Jesus places His followers in situations where their own resources are obviously insufficient so they can discover that His are not!
John 6 reveals that many people love what Jesus provides without necessarily wanting Jesus Himself. After being fed, the crowds search for Him hoping for more bread. Jesus redirects them toward something greater: “I am the bread of life.” He has not come merely to satisfy temporary hunger or make life easier. He offers Himself as the source of eternal life.
By the end of the chapter, many people decide His teaching is too difficult and walk away. Jesus asks the Twelve whether they will leave too. Peter answers, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” That is the heart of discipleship. We follow Jesus not simply because of what He can give us, but because we have discovered that there is nowhere better to go.
Challenge Questions:
Are you seeking Jesus primarily for what He can provide, or because you genuinely want Him?
Where is Jesus be asking you to trust Him with something that feels far beyond what your own resources can handle?