The Picnic

The Biblical Picnic

The Summer is now here and many of us will be planning ways to relax and enjoy ourselves in what we hope will be good weather. Some will be going on holiday,others will be planning 'family occasions'. Picnics and barbecues will be the order of the day, and the lovely smell of cooking will drift across the gardens.

In the Bible we read that Jesus played a part in what became a large picnic, not just for family and friends, but for 5,000 men with women and children as well! Quite an awesome challenge!

Jesus and his disciples had been extremely busy. Jesus had been listening to the disciples ( men chosen by God and commissioned to carry out certain specific tasks to accomplish Christ's work on earth) as they reported to him all the things they had said and done. People were coming and going and yes, don't we all know the feeling of being totally exhausted, and needing space to relax! Jesus knows how we feel because he felt that way too - in fact they had not even had time to eat. Jesus had heavy burdens resting on him, people were constantly making demands of him, and consequently he needed time to meditate, relax, pray and discuss. "Come with me" Jesus said and we will go to a quiet place and get some rest - so they went in a boat to a solitary place.

What a surprise must have greeted them, when on arrival they found a large crowd of people waiting to have Jesus minister to them.

What would your reaction have been? Imagine you had just come in from a long day at work,or a gruelling shopping trip, to find a crowd of needy people. Jesus' reaction was that of compassion - his heart went out to them,the needs of others were more important than those of his own. He recognised their need and immediately dealt with it. He spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing.

The people were so engrossed by the teaching of Jesus they had not noticed it was getting late. The disciples became concerned knowing they were in a remote place, no shops no accomodation, and shortly the people would need food. They advised Jesus to dismiss the people, but Jesus had other ideas "you feed them" he said. Can you imagine the thoughts that went through their minds,knowing that all they had with which to feed the crowd were five loaves and two fish. In their dilemma the disciples had focused on the impossible task Jesus had given them, but had forgotten Jesus' love and power. Jesus told them to organise the people into groups of fifty and sit them on the grass. He then took the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven gave thanks and broke the bread into pieces, handing it to the disciples who gave it to the people. The fish they did the same and as the food was distributed it multiplied and everyone was satisfied. What an amazing miracle Jesus had performed! He had changed what looked like an impossible situation into a mind blowing experience and a wonderful picnic followed. Not only was there plenty for everyone, but there were twelve basketfuls left over! Good use would have been made of these, there must have been plenty of poor and hungry people in the area. What a climax to the day, how people would have talked for weeks about the time they had spent with Jesus, listening to his teaching and watching the many miracles of healing.

Jesus tells his disciples the reason he performs miracles is to glorify his father in heaven. Everyone at the 'picnic' ate as much as they wanted and were satisfied. In John chapter 6 Jesus said "I am the bread of life, he who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty".

Jesus is concerned for our spiritual as well as our physical needs, just as he fed the hungry people at the 'picnic' - so he meets our everyday needs. It was because of his great love and compassion for us Jesus died on the cross - to fulfill our greatest need - to have our sins forgiven. If we are sorry for all the wrong things we have done, by faith in him we can be fully satisfied and have eternal life.

Quotation taken from the Holy Bible New International Version.