Introductory Thoughts
Man can, at times, readily recognize problems that arise, but often initially reacts with solutions to remove the problem out of sight. As the disciples looked out over the multitude in today’s passage, they saw thousands in a desert place with a lack of provisions. They quickly viewed what seemed to them as an insurmountable problem. As evening approached, they came to the Lord and suggested that He send the people away. The disciples were more comfortable with the problem if it was out of sight, out of mind, and not theirs to face. Their suggestion was an unacceptable solution. For this reason, the Lord put the problem back upon the disciples when He said to them, “Give ye them to eat” (Mark 6:37). In other words, the problem would not go away or solve itself. The Lord directed the disciples to find a solution and their turning a blind eye was completely unacceptable.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Man does not want to face his sin problem. He tries to put it out of sight by getting rid of Gods word or anyone who points out the problem (Jeremiah 36:21-26; John 19:15a; Acts 7:52; Acts 22:22). Ignoring the sin problem is dangerous (Romans 6:23).
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(For everyone): What is a problem that you are currently facing? Up to this point, what has been your solution in dealing with the problem? Have you tried to send the problem away?
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What additional problems could have occurred if the Lord sent the people away? Is it possible that some of the people would have experienced significant problems by leaving without food?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to show you that problems cannot be sent away.
- Ask God to help you see the complications of ignoring problems.
Song
Have Thine Own Way, Lord!
