Pastor Chuck’s Corner: August 2026

Jesus replies, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

(Matthew 14:16)

I realize that most of you already know the following, but I confess to taking it for

granted sometimes: We are blessed to live where we do. Specifically, I’m thinking

about the abundance of food at our disposal. Like the vast majority who read

these words, I do not worry about my next meal. Food anxiety is not on my

personal radar.

The verse quoted above is taken from Jesus miraculously feeding 5000 people at

one time. After a long day of teaching and healing, evening was fast approaching.

Jesus’ disciples were concerned that the large crowd that had gathered would not

be able to find food enough.

Though I’m sure their concern was genuine, it was also without any thought of a

true solution. The bible says this day happened in a remote place. Surely, more

than 5000 people were not going to be able to all find food before nightfall.

The point is this: it is not enough to simply recognize a problem. The disciples, by

recommending the crowd be dispersed to fend for themselves, are basically

absolving themselves of any responsibility toward finding a solution.

Jesus, of course, knows all along what he is going to do and the miracle of feeding

up to 10,000 people is joyously received. However, if you will re-read this entire

incident as recorded in Matthew’s gospel, you will discover that the disciples did

indeed have a role to play.

Jesus first told the 12 to take stock of what they did have and then to bring it to

him. They do as they were instructed and bring 5 loaves and 2 fish to the Lord.

Obviously, that meager amount is not nearly enough for that throng of people.

Still, there is a lesson in this for us today. The disciples recognized the problem

(feeding many) but had no clue as to how to help. Jesus told them instead to take

inventory of what they did have and then to bring it to him.

In our community, there is a great deal of food insecurity. We at St. Mark’s

recognize the problem and blessedly try to help through our various feeding

ministries.

Still, I believe we can do more. Let’s follow Jesus’ instructions from that day and

take inventory of what we do have. If you find you have an abundance, might you

consider bringing it to Jesus to let him multiply it?

Remember, you are blessed so that you may be a blessing to others.

Pastor Chuck