Matthew 15:32-39

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for the crowd because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat, and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?” Jesus asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled, and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. After sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.
 

As the end of summer approaches, many people across the Great Plains can see the harvest in yards and gardens across our neighborhoods. It's a time when the hard work of planting, watering, and caring for plants pays off with beautiful flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

This time of harvest reminds us of a story in Matthew 15:32-39. Jesus saw a crowd of people who had been with Him for three days, and they were hungry. With deep compassion, He took seven loaves of bread and a few fish and turned them into enough food to feed thousands.

Think about the gardeners caring for their plants, ensuring they have everything they need to grow. That's like what Jesus did for the crowd. He didn't just teach and give them spiritual food; he cared about their physical needs and ensured they were fed.

When we look at the harvest in our gardens, we see more than just plants. We see a symbol of God's love for us. As gardeners tend to the plants, God cares for us, giving us what we need to grow and thrive.

Just as Jesus fed the crowd with bread and fish, he gives us hope, love, and understanding. And just like the harvest in the gardens, God’s love for us is plentiful, always there when we need it.

So, as you enjoy the fruits and vegetables from gardens and markets, remember to share what you have with others. Be like Jesus, caring for people’s needs and showing them love and compassion. When we give to others, we offer them a glimpse of God's love and become part of God’s excellent harvest.

-- Rev. Andrew Conard
Topeka Susanna Wesley UMC
aconard@greatplainsumc.org

Prayer for Reflection

Genesis 32:22-31
Isaiah 55:1-5
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21