Things can change suddenly.  Have you been enjoying a time when life is going well, and you are seeing good things happen, then everything changes?  This happened to the disciples.

 

What a day it had been!  Crowds had gathered on a mountainside, overlooking the lake.  Not only had Jesus healed many, but the disciples had seen an incredible miracle.  More than 5000 people had been fed, from just 5 loaves and 2 fish, and they had helped.  Yet within hours, they were in the midst of a storm.

 

Most of us don’t enjoy tests or exams, do we?  However tests can be useful to see how much we know. On the other hand though, tests also reveal what we don’t know!  In our walk with Jesus, he may allow us to face tests.  We see this in the story of the feeding of the 5000.

 

Jesus was on a hilly slope, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, with his disciples.  They have gone there to be alone, but crowds soon gather. Jesus teaches and heals those who are sick.  It’s a long day!  The disciples suggest that Jesus sends the people away so they can buy food for themselves. However Jesus turns this around and asks, “where shall we buy food for these people to eat?” 

 

Do you prefer praise from others, or do you make an effort to obtain praise from God?  This is a question Jesus asks the Jews in his day, and one he still asks today.  How would you answer it?