God is …
Jesus is Generous
March 27, 2021
Mark 8:1-9 NIV
During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance." 4 His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?" 5 "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they replied. 6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four thousand men were present.
Jesus is compassionate.
v.2 - "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.”
What’s our motivation for giving?
Yes, giving is worship. Yes, giving is obedience.
Giving is also an act of compassion!
Jesus uses what we have.
v. 5 - "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked.
God isn’t waiting for us to be wealthy and then become givers.
He wants us to trust him with what is in our hands right now.
Seven loaves for 4000 men to eat seemed ridiculous. How can so little help such a large need?
We miss out on the blessings of giving because we think our giving does not matter.
It mattered on this day!
Conditions are never perfect for us to be generous. It takes faith to give up control when we give!
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Jesus is waiting for us to participate.
v.6 – “he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so.”
The loaves had to be given. Jesus took them, blessed them and gave it back to them.
Moses did not feel he was ready to lead millions of refugees, but he was wrong!
David had never been in a battle, but he ran toward Goliath!
Peter had never walked on stormy waters until he stepped out of the boat!
Jesus can multiply.
v.8 - The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
God doesn’t bless what we own. He blesses what we’ve given him. When he owns it, he blesses it!
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
