Feb. 26, 2021
The Good Shepherd Feeds His Sheep
After Moses’s generation died, a new one begins to take the Promised Land. Balak sees this sea of people headed his way and calls on a sorcerer to curse them.
The Lord intervenes, speaking to Balaam through his donkey. This ironic episode humiliates Balaam, reinforcing that he must only say what God puts in his mouth (Numbers 22:35).
Balak took Balaam to several locations overlooking Israel’s camp, hoping he would curse Israel. Sorcerers often looked for signs or omens to help them tell the future. But in this case, Balaam’s words were not his own, and changing locations couldn’t change the Lord’s will.
Each time Balak asked Balaam to curse Israel, he blessed them instead. And, in Balaam’s fourth oracle, he prophesies about a future King to rule the nations (Numbers 24:15-19).
Jesus extends his authority by commissioning the twelve apostles for a long teaching and preaching tour. They return to Him in need of rest, as they had been so busy that had not even had a chance to eat. (Mark 6:31). Reunited, they were hoping for some quiet rest, but it didn’t take long for the crowd to find them.
Jesus has compassion for the crowd and begins to teach. He serves the people as the good shepherd, fulfilling a promise the Lord made Israel in Numbers 27:17. Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, Jesus feeds the 5,000 in a desolate place with the Word of God and bread and fish.
On the way to Bethsaida, the disciples’ boat is caught in a windstorm. Even after all the miracles the disciples had seen, they still were afraid. Jesus calmed the wind and waves, yet they still did not fully grasp His divine identity.
Make It Personal
- Just because God worked through a sorcerer doesn’t mean He approves of sorcery (Exodus 22:18, 2 Chronicles 33:6, Revelation 18:23). Can you think of a time God got your attention in an unorthodox way?
- Even after all the disciples had seen, they were shocked when Jesus rescued them. Can you relate? Why is it sometimes easier to believe for others than for yourself?
- Are you living like the Jesus of the Bible is the same one you follow today?