God Provides

Can God provide for the faithful even under political oppression? While Herod Antipas ruled Galilee under Caesar Augustus, Jesus preached to thousands. Herod had executed John the Baptist. Was he also paranoid about Jesus? Let’s find out in Matthew 14.

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” (Matthew 14:1-2 NIV)

What had Herod done with John? Did John dare to criticize a powerful politician?

For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. (Matthew 14:3-5 NKJV)

What persuaded Herod to murder John?

But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. (Matthew 14:6-12 NLT)

God Provides

What can faithful Christians do with meager resources? Let’s learn about the abundant resources of heaven, by examining the miracle of feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21. What did Jesus do after hearing of John’s death?

When Jesus heard about John, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. When the crowds learned this, they followed him on foot from the cities. When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick. (Matthew 14:13-14 CEB)

Among the sins of the church is a lack of compassion. Blaming poverty on laziness alone is hardhearted ignorance. More often the poor are victims of corruption, crime, overpopulation, low wages, inefficient distribution, bad education, environmental degradation, political oppression, colonialism, disease and war. Jesus feeding 5000 radically contradicts selfish religion.

That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it's already late. Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the villages and buy some food.” Jesus replied, “They don't have to leave. Why don't you give them something to eat?” (Matthew 14:15-16 CEV)

It’s easy just to send the crowds of people away. Jesus said, YOU give them something to eat. Can we hear the selfish lies that many Christians believe? The saying, God helps those who help themselves, is a lie, not found in the Bible?

They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” (Matthew 14:17-18 ESV)

God took a child’s packed lunch to feed a large crowd. God showed Elisha a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire all around. God provided a Kinsman Redeemer for Ruth. God helped David slay a giant with the smallest weapons. God gave Abigail wisdom to save the day. God provides.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17 NKJV).

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (Psalm 55:22 NKJV).

“He will feed His flock like a shepherd” (Isaiah 40:11 NKJV).

“Fear not, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13 NKJV).

“humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV).

Of the small offering, Jesus said, Bring it here.

Then He commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. (Matthew 14:19 HCSB)

Jesus BLESSED the small offering. We give thanks at a meal, because God created all things. We acknowledge His Providence and we give thanks. Jesus was preparing an extraordinary Provision.

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14:20-21 KJV)