Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. John 6: 10, 11, NKJV.
Heavenly Father, there is so much that we can learn as we sit at Your feet. Please teach us, we pray, in the blessed name of Jesus. Amen.
This had been a very long day, for Jesus and His disciples; as well as for the people. But the Words that fell from the lips of Jesus were so heartwarming, and encouraging, and life-giving, that the people did not seem to notice how long they had been standing. Jesus, who had taken on humanity, not only to save us, but to “save us to the uttermost;” by entering into the frailties of humanity, knew, from experience, that they had to be exhausted. Besides, there were mothers with little children! So the loving, understanding, and compassionate Savior, gave instructions to have them “sit down.”
Most of us grasp at the “big things” that Jesus did, or does, for us. As far as I am concerned, everything Jesus does, is a big thing! Jesus owes us nothing. Therefore, everything we receive from Him is a gift of love! In everyday relationships, for women (at least for the majority of us), it is the small things that matter. A lovely dress, or a pair of shoes, a nice perfume, or a lovely handbag, make wonderful gifts. But nothing says as much as a long-stemmed red rose, or a wild flower; on an ordinary day, “just because!” Having the people “sit down,” was an act of thoughtfulness and love; and an invitation for them to have fellowship with the Savior.
I can just imagine the sigh of relief, especially for the mothers in the group, when they were asked to sit down! I believe that the message to sit down is so important, for us today, because too many of us are too busy. The day was far spent. It was time for fellowship! It was time for them to commune together! Perhaps there were entire families present; perhaps friends. For everyone, it was time to stop right where they were, and share a meal!
Now I come to the place where we stopped yesterday, “Why are you following Jesus? Why am I following Him? Is it for “the bread and the fishes?” Is it because we are expecting Him to do great things for us? Would we still follow Him if we found out that the big plans that we have for our lives, was not what He had planned for us? Would we be just as dedicated to His cause if we never had hope of receiving any recognition in return? Would we be just as excited if Jesus was to say to us, “All I want is Your time; for us to sit down together and dine?”
On at least two occasions He said this, directly, and indirectly. In Revelation 3: 20 He says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends…” (NLT). And in Luke 10: 38-42 (I have mentioned this before; but I believe it is worth repeating); Martha invites Jesus into the home, but it is Mary who takes the time to sit at His feet and commune with Him! When Martha complains to Jesus, His reply is loving, and honest, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it and it will not be taken away from her” (NLT)!
Dearly beloved, when all is said and done, the only thing that will be worth anything; is how well we know Jesus (John 17: 3)! This is accomplished as we spend time with Him; and that is primarily what Jesus wants from you, and me! Time alone with Him! After we have sought Him first, He will equip us for service; then “all [other] things will be added unto [us]” (Matthew 6: 33)!