The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Devotion based on Mark 6:44

Five thousand! That is how many men came to see Jesus that afternoon. And that number didn’t even factor in the women and children. That is incredible! This massive crowd had followed Jesus to the outskirts of town. They couldn’t stay away from Jesus. They were drawn to him.

But why? Why did this crowd of thousands come to see Jesus that day? They were drawn to Jesus because they were hurting and knew he could help. They were drawn to Jesus because they were suffering from sickness and disease and hoped that he could heal them. They were drawn to Jesus because their hearts were burdened with worry, stress, and guilt, and they were looking to him to offer some relief. All too often, they had done wrong, and they were longing for forgiveness from God in heaven. And Jesus didn’t shun or shame them like their other religious leaders. No, Jesus embraced them with a smile and the promise of forgiveness.

The people who went to see Jesus that day aren’t all that different than you and me. We struggle with guilt from the past. We wrestle with the temptations of today. We stress about what will come tomorrow. What is it for you? Are you having problems in your marriage or with your kids? Do you have to fight off an addiction each day? Are you worried about the future of the country, your nest egg, or your health? Whatever it is, you can take it to Jesus. He’s the one who has already defeated death for you. And because Jesus has conquered the grave, he lives to lead you through this life, assuring you of God’s forgiveness and a home of eternal rest in heaven.

For centuries, millions upon millions of people have been drawn to Jesus, and millions upon millions have found that he is the source of certain hope and forgiveness. May the Lord bless you as you walk with him in his Word. And may he put your heart at rest from your burdens and fears, whatever they might be.

Prayer: