If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way — and some of them have come a great distance. (Mark 8:3)
Before Christ fed four thousand (probably more actually), he did not ask them to fill out forms or prove their worthiness. He did not ask their political affiliations, their theological leanings, or even if they liked what He had to say. Jesus did not ask if they loved Him.
They came, hungry. Jesus fed them.
Jesus would teach that the greatest commandment is to love God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and that the second commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” I must admit that not only is it difficult for me to love others with this active love, but sometimes I find myself putting a condition for loving God by looking for what I think will be proof of His love (as if the evidence isn’t always all around and in me!).
The verse before this one in the Gospel of Mark states, “I have compassion for the crowd.” God’s only requirement from them and from us is His love. That love was in existence before the crowd came, and it did not leave when most turned their backs on Him. God’s love is with us still.
Yes. even though it is difficult to see.
Christ, our God, open our eyes to see your Love every moment of each day, especially in this dark and difficult time. We know we do not deserve you, but fill us with your Holy Spirit. In the Name of the strong and loving Savior, Jesus. Amen.
