I recently visited Linc Church in Salt Rock, Durban, South Africa, where the lead pastor shared a word that has stayed with me since then. “You feed them” was the main point of the message. You see, I have always wondered why bad things happen to good people. or to people in general. Why would someone be born and die in slavery? What wrong did they do? Where is God in all of this? At some point, I found myself doubting, wrestling with the million-dollar question: Where is God in all of this?
Then, I encountered Mark 6:37. In this passage, the disciples notice that the people following Jesus are hungry. They come to Him and ask Him to release the crowd so they can go and find food. But Jesus’ response is unexpected: “You feed them.”
But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money[g] to buy food for all these people!” - Mark 6:37 (NIV)
That response must have been as puzzling to the disciples as it was to me. They immediately replied, “With what?” How could they possibly provide for over 5,000 people with their limited resources? In the end, Jesus fed the crowd with five loaves and two fish that the disciples brought to Him. This story holds a powerful truth: God’s plan for justice and provision in the world often begins with us. We are the answer. God has placed us here to do something about the injustice in the world, but there is a process we must follow.
1. Identifying and Acknowledging the Problem
The disciples noticed the people’s hunger. They didn’t overlook it or pretend it wasn’t there. They saw the need and brought it to Jesus. In business, we call this identifying a pain point—a problem that needs solving.
Likewise, we cannot solve problems we refuse to acknowledge. Whether it’s poverty, injustice, oppression, or suffering, our first step is to open our eyes. God doesn’t call us to be passive observers; He calls us to recognize the brokenness around us.
2. Take It to God First
The disciples’ solution was to send the people away to fend for themselves, but at least they took the problem to Jesus first. They didn’t try to fix it on their own.
We often have a burden for justice. We want to see suffering end and righteousness prevail. However, before we act, we must first take the issue to God. Without His guidance and power, we can accomplish nothing. Prayer is our starting point, aligning our hearts with God’s will before we step into action.
3. Accept the Calling
Jesus’ answer was clear: “You feed them.” That’s where most of us hesitate. It’s easy to acknowledge a problem and pray about it, but when God calls us to take action, we start making excuses. The disciples had the same response: “With what?” They knew their budget wasn’t enough. They had questions, doubts, and fears, but they still listened to Jesus and sought a solution.
We have to accept that we are part of the answer. We are called to feed, rescue, and help those in need. It won’t be easy, but it is our responsibility.
4. Five Loaves and Two Fish: Surrendering What You Have
The disciples brought five loaves and two fish to Jesus. It was small, insignificant compared to the massive need. But that’s where God works best—with what we already have.
What do you have in your hands? Your skills, finances, time, influence- whatever it is, surrender it to God. You may think it’s too little to make a difference, but God sees it as a starting point.
5. Give Thanks Before the Breakthrough
Before multiplying the bread, Jesus gave thanks. He gave thanks for what was not yet enough. That alone is a lesson in faith. We often wait until we see the miracle to be grateful, but Jesus teaches us to thank God before the provision comes.
Whatever you have, be grateful for it. Praise God in advance for what He is about to do. Gratitude positions us for the miraculous.
6. You Feed Them
Only with God’s help can we fulfill the calling He has given us. The disciples distributed the food, but Jesus was the one who multiplied it. They could not have done it on their own, but because they trusted and obeyed, thousands were fed.
Likewise, we cannot do this alone. God will bring like-minded people alongside us, just as the disciples worked together. It wasn’t Peter or John alone—it was the disciples with Jesus in their midst who fed the 5,000.
Final Thoughts
Jesus’ words, “You feed them,” were not just for the disciples. They are for you and me. God sees the suffering in the world, and He is calling us to do something about it. We are not powerless. We have been placed here for a purpose.
The question is, will we answer the call?
Start with what you have. Give it to God. And trust Him to do the rest. Wait! Before you go, check our earlier post: The only 3 things you need to change the world.
