When it was already quite late, (Jesus') disciples came to Him and said, "This place is desolate and it is already quite late; send (the crowds) away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat." But He answered them, "You give them something to eat!" And they said to Him, "Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give them something to eat?" NASB
The crowds had come to seek Jesus, just as they always did. After Jesus ministered to the people for a long time, the disciples saw a problem develop and got worried. They brought this to Jesus' attention and He told them to help the people solve the problem so they could continue to seek Him. However, the disciples first response was a logical, but selfish one; where could they possibly find the resources for that? The response Jesus was looking for was one of faith and trust, one that desired to enable the people to see Jesus more; Tell us how we can do this Lord! At first glance, there isn't much of a difference between the two statements, but one is really saying "we can't do that" and the other is really saying "I don't see how we can do that, but show us." One expresses a lack of trust in the Lord and a desire to remain comfortable, the other, a desire to see God work, no matter the cost. What is your response when God challenges you to do something beyond your understanding? Pray that you can be more like the disciples should have been and ask God to show you how. Then, you will see God work and know that you didn't fail to trust in the Lord to do it.
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