The Little Commission And The Feeding Of The 5000.

THE LITTLE COMMISSION AND THE FEEDING OF THE 5000.

Luke 9:1-17.

I). Jesus sends His disciples on a mission (Luke 9:1-6).

LUKE 9:1-2. We see that the empowering of the twelve included those things which Jesus had been doing: casting out devils, curing diseases, preaching the kingdom of God, and healing the sick. Thus they are seen to have been conferred with His authority.

The same pattern remains for the Church, even as the Little Commission opens out into the Great Commission. Our care for souls gives priority to preaching, but there are other ministries in the Church, designed to minister to people in their everyday needs. If we have Jesus’ heart of compassion, we will not only look upon our congregations as so many ‘souls’ to be ‘saved’ but will also have a part to play in ministering to their bodily needs.

LUKE 9:3. We see the apparent poverty of that first mission, where the apostles would have ample opportunity to experience His provision of all their necessaries (cf. Luke 22:35).

Codes of dress do have their place in mission work. Cynics could be recognised by their dress: an old cloak and a staff. Essenes were known as ‘Brethren of the White Clothing’. There are no hard and fast rules for Christian workers, but it is probably best to be smart, well presented, but not looking like we belong to some sect.

It is interesting to observe that pilgrims entering the Temple were not allowed to wear sandals nor carry a staff. Witnessing is an act of worship. Missions to less-friendly climes and times might expect another instruction (cf. Luke 22:36).

LUKE 9:4. It is a matter of courtesy in our own missions to seek out those who might be deemed worthy in the place to which we are going. If there is already a church in that place, then it would be presumptuous to come in treading on everyone’s toes. This was, after all, initially, a Home Mission, where the Apostles might expect to receive at least some courteous consideration.

LUKE 9:5. ‘Peace be to all in this house,’ says the Christian Visitor upon entering any homestead. If the household fails to receive the blessing, it will not be because it was not offered. We need not trouble ourselves but must “shake off the dust of our feet” with dignity.

LUKE 9:6. Thus began the Little Commission.

II). Herod wants to see Jesus (Luke 9:7-9).

LUKE 9:7-9. What we are presented with in this short cameo is the guilty conscience of a wicked ruler, knowing that he had murdered an innocent man. Herod Antipas, the tetrach of Galilee, heard of Jesus, and was listening to the rumours which included the suggestion that this was John the Baptist risen from the dead. And in his perplexity he desired to see Him.

III). The disciples return, and rest. (Luke 9:10).

LUKE 9:10. It was with some measure of excitement that the twelve apostles returned from their first outreach. They had fulfilled their commission, and were keen to report to Jesus on all that they had said and done. If ever there was a focus for the Christian life, and for ministry, it is this: that in the final analysis we are accountable to Jesus.

Jesus was more composed in His reaction. Sometimes we need someone to calm us down a little after intense activity, especially when that activity involves spiritual warfare. Jesus cares that His servants should not suffer from burnout, and would have us come apart from our labours for a while, and rest in Him. Everybody needs a Sabbath.

IV). Jesus teaches the crowd. And feeds them (Luke 9:11-17).

LUKE 9:11-12. The people followed Jesus and sought Him out, and He received them, spoke to them about the kingdom of heaven, and healed their sick. As the day wore on, the disciples made the reasonable suggestion that Jesus should dismiss the crowd so they could buy something to eat.

LUKE 9:13-15. “Give ye them to eat,” answered Jesus. The disciples could muster just five loaves and two fishes for a crowd of over 5000 people. Everything was done ‘decently and in order’ (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:40). Jesus said, “Make the men sit down by fifties.” And they did so.

LUKE 9:16. Jesus takes our little, “and looking up to heaven, blessed them, and brake,” and transforms it into plenty. Jesus delegated the distribution to the disciples, and they gave to the people; both bread and fishes.

LUKE 9:17. Think of it: 5,000 men, plus who knows how many women and children, and each one was filled to the full. And there was more gathered up in leftover fragments than there had been at the start. There were twelve baskets full, the same number as the tribes of Israel, symbolising God’s sufficient provision for all of His people.