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Prior to meeting the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus the apostle Paul would have been the last person on the planet to believe a human being was God! The Jewish perspective on God is that He is too transcendent to immerse Himself in humanity! Paul’s worldview would not have even allowed for the possibility of the Incarnation or the Resurrection. Yet when he was confronted with the overwhelming evidence Paul’s life was forever changed. He spent the rest of his life sharing with others that Jesus was Lord and had risen from the dead.
In Acts 26, Paul is under arrest and is appearing before Festus and King Agrippa.

Paul begins to share with them about Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. It is as if Paul is saying, “I did not want to believe in Jesus!” I did not want to believe in the resurrection but it happened! I met the risen Christ so what else was I supposed to do?!!! Here is what happened next recorded in Acts 26: 24-26 24At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” 25″I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of
this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.

Festus interrupts Paul and tells him that all his learning and reading is making him crazy. Paul responds by letting Festus know that he is not using philosophical reasoning but citing historical facts! Paul is insisting that this in not some secret mystic knowledge but a case of historical facts that King Agrippa was well aware of. I love how Paul says this was not done in a corner but in clear view. These are public facts. The truth is the tomb was empty! The truth is there were hundreds of eye-witnesses who had the entire trajectory of the lives changed. The truth is that Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead. Do you believe that?

Paul went on to write one of the most significant passages of Scripture on the Resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. Take some time to read through this entire chapter a few times. Look at the beginning of the passage in verses 1-11 noting the evidence Paul cites for the resurrection. What is that evidence?

The resurrection means that Jesus has defeated sin, evil, disease, and death. He has ushered in the year of Jubilee (Isaiah 61) where the lame will walk, the blind will see, and the dead will rise. The resurrection means that you and I can get past our pasts and be free from guilt and shame. Do you know that freedom? Is there something from your past that is holding you captive? Admit that to the One who gave his life for you. Ask Him to teach you how to live free and then step into that freedom by faith.
Matt Hammett

MattHammett@DIVEintoFLOOD.com

At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. Mark 15:33-34, 37

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” Luke 24: 13-18

Saturday: the day after Jesus was crucified, killed for the sins of every person of the world, killed for doing the will of his Father. What a dark day! His last words, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”, must have been tough for his loyal followers to hear.

Only a few who followed him came to watch his final moments. What might they have been expecting? They had seen him perform incredible miracles to demonstrate God’s presence, love, and compassion. Some were healed. Some were bought back to life after dying! Jesus had spoke of his intimate relationship with his Father and now his final words were, “Why have you forsaken me? ”. What’s up with that? Can you imagine the emotions of those who saw his death?

We get a glimpse of what they were feeling from the story of two men traveling to Emmaus recorded in Luke. It seems they were consumed in grief. Luke says their faces showed it. Over and over again they must have replayed the events in their minds and conversations. When Jesus, after his resurrection, joined them and asked what they were talking about, their response was, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”.

Have you ever felt deep grief and confusion? Last year, I spoke with Josh, song writer and singer for Edison Glass. I really like their song, “When All We Have is Taken”. So, I asked Josh what the inspiration was for it. His answer shocked me. Right after his mom died, his best friend committed suicide. Two of the closest, most intimate people in his life, that he depended on, were gone. He fell into a deep depression and this song came out of the experience.

Have you had major losses in your life? Sometimes when they strike, in our shock, we may also feel abandoned by God. Being consumed by grief and confusion is a common experience. When this happens, be sure to surround yourself with the community of your church. Having others to share your burdens with can make these difficult times easier to bear. It’s really true! Also, having the support of others can help protect you from doing something crazy and destructive.

But what’s the best news about this Story? Be patient. . . just wait for the surprise on Sunday!

As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”
But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”

The Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”

When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”

. . .”Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.

Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.                John 19:6-16

What a tough story to read! I encourage you to read all the Gospel texts (Matt. 27:11-23, Mark 15:2-15, Luke 23:2-3, 18-25, and John 18:19-19:16) regarding the handling of Jesus by Pilate and the Jewish authorities. It’s a difficult story for me to read. You’ve got the drama of the Jews in an uproar over Jesus claiming to be the Messiah and King. You’ve got Herod who was curious, but really didn’t have much power. And, there’s Pilate. . . what do you do with him?

Pilate is an very interesting figure. Several years ago, I did a detailed study of this story. You can look at it from several angles. Last Sunday, Pastor Matt spoke about Pilate, power and politics. Yes, Pilate abused his power in many ways. When Jesus was brought to him, Pilate was really caught between a rock and a hard place. Pastor Matt shared with us how Pilate refused to make a decision and thus decided the fate of Jesus by letting the Jews have what they wanted.

There’s another angle to the story. As you study the Gospels related to this story, Pilate really did a lot to get Jesus released. He confronted the Jews saying that he saw that Jesus had done nothing wrong (Jn. 19:4). He also asked Jesus to give him some evidence that could be used to free him (Jn.19:8-10). He also presented the Jews with a choice: to release one of the worst criminals in Jewish history, Barabbas, or to release Jesus (Jn. 18:38-40). At one point, the Jews threatened Pilate’s power and position by shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” (Jn. 19:12) So, it seemed that each way Pilate turned, each way he tried to get Jesus freed, he was blocked.

So, in the end, Pilate made another choice, and that was to give the fate of Jesus into the hands of the Jews. Rather than acting upon what he sensed was truth, that Jesus was innocent of the charges calling for the death penalty, he washed his hands of the matter and turned Jesus over to be crucified.

How do you react when you find yourself between a rock and a hard place? Sometimes we all have those moments when there is not any easy choice! Maybe you’re facing a choice between two bad options or even two good options. In those moments, maybe you just want to throw your hands up in the air and walk away. Sometimes, I wish I could just disappear!

In these difficult moments, remember that God has not abandoned you. Even if you don’t feel you can make a good choice, there comes a time when we must choose, none-the-less. Rather than facing difficult choices as Pilate did, remember what the prophet Jeremiah wrote, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer.29:11) Armed with the knowledge that God is with us and has a good future in store for us, make the best choice that you can muster and trust God to be with you in the details, results or consequences.

Paul writes in 2 Cor. 5:7, “We live by faith, not by sight.” Living the Christian life is not easy, but we don’t go through life alone. Jesus promises, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20)

Jeff Glass

JeffGlass@DIVEintoFLOOD.com 

“It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. . .  so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. . .

. . . When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me `Teacher’ and `Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:1-17

I’m always blown away when reading this passage. Three years the disciples have been with Jesus. For three years, they had seen Jesus set the example and heard his teachings and admonitions. You’d think by now they would get it!

The disciples had finished their preparations, or so they thought. They had gathered for the meal and were ready to start, when Jesus did something that really got their attention. Rather than acting like he was the center of attention in the honored position, he reminded the disciples of something very important that they had forgotten. He played the role of the servant in washing their feet, to clean them from the dirty roads they’d been walking.

Washing feet before eating was an important act of cleanliness in their culture. It was normally performed by a servant as people entered a house for a meal. Who forgot this detail? We don’t know. But Jesus turned it into a teachable moment by demonstrating that no one, even he, was above the responsibility of caring for others.

The One whom we bow down to and worship, our King and Ruler of the Universe, was getting on his knees to wash the feet of the disciples. What a powerful example and memory he gives to his followers of how they should live-out their lives.

The now challenge comes to us. Do we get it? Though I’ve been a Christian since I was 17, there have been countless times when Jesus may have thought, “You’d think Jeff would get it by now!”. I, like the disciples, have forgotten what Jesus taught and modeled for us and done my own thing (even with the best of intentions).

After demonstrating his love by setting this powerful example, he concludes this time by sharing, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (Jn. 13:17).

What blessings are in store for us as we follow his example? Who knows! But one thing is for certain, Jesus always comes through with his promises!

Jeff Glass

JeffGlass@DIVEintoFLOOD.com

“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, `The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.”
Luke 22:7-13

As time progressed through the week, Jesus knew him ministry, as the disciples knew it, was soon to end. This was a special week, not only in the interactions Jesus had with his disciples, religious leaders and people of Jerusalem, but it was also Passover. Passover was the biggest Jewish Feast or holy time.

So, he asked a few of his disciples to prepare for the Passover meal. His disciples were thinking tradition—this is a time when we celebrate a religious holiday as we have in the past. Jesus had other plans though. It was going to be a meal that would not be forgotten. It was his last private time with his friends before his arrest. As you read the larger story, he packed-in as much teaching as he could to prepare his disciples for life without his physical presence.

As you think back to our Christian holy times, like Christmas or Easter, how many meal celebrations do you remember? Who did you gather with? What conversation was shared? Do you remember the details about past meals or more of a warm, loving feeling towards those you shared the meal with?

Often, holidays like Christmas and Easter are times for family to gather. Depending upon your family history, sharing time with family can be a time of blessing or difficulty. I enjoy celebrating the holidays with family. I also enjoy celebrating them with friends. Some of my most memorable celebrations are with neighbors in my apartment who were too far away from family to travel home. So, we became family to each other as we gathered around the table to celebrate God’s work in our world.

Celebrations over a meal can have a huge bonding effect with those who participate. Reflecting over the meaning of the gathering, recalling God’s activity in the past and present, can mold a gathering of individuals into a bonded group of people committed to live and serve together.

Friday evening, Floodster’s from all over San Diego will be gathering in homes to recall and celebrate this holy time over a meal. Communion will be served after the meal. This will be a time where we can bond together in a new way that’s different from our Sunday, Community Group, Impact Team or Growth Group gatherings. If you’ve not signed-up, give Mindi Hopper a call today at the Flood offices to see if there’s a slot available (858-268.2330). Gathering as the family of God, to recall and celebrate God’s activity, is important to building our faith and community with one another!

Jeff Glass

Jeff Glass@DIVEintoFLOOD.com

“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: `Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”                         Mark 12:28-31

Have you seen any good movies lately? Two weeks ago, I saw Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. I was expecting a comedy. Boy, was I surprised to watch a serious movie as two men think about what matters most in life and create their bucket list of things to do before they die. Both had terminal cancer.

After they created their joint list of things they wanted to do, they took-off on an around the world journey in a private jet, owned by the character Jack Nicholson played. One day, while sitting atop one of the pyramids in Egypt, Morgan Freeman told a story from Egyptian mythology. “Do you know what the Egyptians believed about what happens when someone dies? They go up to heaven and are met at a gateway. Someone answers the gate and asks two questions. Depending on how you answer the two questions depends upon whether you are admitted or not.”

Nicholson asked what the two questions were. Freeman responded, `Have you found joy in your life?’, and, `How are you sharing joy with others’?”

These questions impacted me a great deal and made me think about the Generosity sermon series at our church. Through Christ, God has poured uncountable riches upon us (see Ephesians 1:3-2:8). Though we may not feel wealthy, when compared to most of the Earth’s population, we are filthy rich. What do we share with others? How do we share with others?

After Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he spent the next few days teaching his disciples and debating religious leaders. One of those debates is recorded in the Gospel of Mark, as listed above. In just a couple of sentences, Jesus summarizes all the Law from the Old Testament! He tries to make the truth of God as simple as he can to be understood by all.

However, problems arise as we understand God’s truth. . . can we put it into practice? How can we live-out loving God with our whole being and loving others as much as we love ourselves?

I really like the two questions from Bucket List. Somehow, they feel freeing. Sharing joy with others feels like one way we can fulfill the second commandment of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. Last Saturday, Eric Lehman shared the story in his Lent Devotion about sharing homemade soup with a homeless man. I’m sure this brought joy to someone who was living outside in the cold! There are a 1000 other ways we can bring joy to others that might involve giving money or might not. I like to address cashiers at stores by name and compliment them on something. Obviously, this is a little thing. But imagine how the person would feel if every other customer were doing the same thing. The cashier would have a joy-filled day!

How have you found joy through Christ? How do you share that joy with others? Who can you bless today and tomorrow with a joy-filled moment? As God has generously blessed us, let us be a blessing to others!

Jeff Glass

JeffGlass@DIVEintoFLOOD.com

“Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”

The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. Luke 18:31-42

Before Jesus got to Jerusalem and was blessed by the Palm Sunday Parade, he traveled through Jericho. As he traveled, he tried to prepare his disciples as to what would happen when he arrived in Jerusalem. What he shared about being mocked, insulted, flogged and killed, was not what the disciples were expecting. They were still thinking that he was coming to conquer the Romans, not to become a victim of the Romans. Thus, even as Jesus loved his disciples and wanted to prepare them for the things to come, “The disciples did not understand any of this.” (Luke 18:34)
As they got closer to Jerusalem, they came to Jericho. A blind man was sitting on the side of the road begging. This was a common scene they had seen before. With the biggest heart-felt cry for help, the blind man shouts over and over again, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38)

When Jesus stopped and ask the man what he wanted, the blind man replied, “”Lord, I want to see.” . . . Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God.” (Luke 18:39, 43)

Were there any moments in this past week that you were confused and couldn’t figure something out? Is there anything in your life today that you would like help in understanding?

My #1 Gallup Strength is Strategic. My mind is always bouncing around trying to think of the best way to accomplish or organize something. When I can’t figure it out, I get frustrated and try other options. I must confess that when I can’t see the way, my first reaction is NOT to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Lord, I want to see.”

Can you relate to this? In what ways are you blind from seeing all that God has for you?

As you think about the coming 24 hours, I would invite you to practice this prayer from the blind man in Jericho. In fact try saying it now, and repeat it often, even before you encounter your confusions or frustrations.
If you discover any new blessings, please respond to this post and let us all hear your story!

Jeff

JeffGlass@DIVEintoFLOOD.com

“They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:36-40

As a child, I loved parades! One of my favorite days of the year, besides Christmas, was July 4th! My hometown had a large parade that everyone came to see. I loved the pomp of the marching bands and majorettes. I was captivated by the floats. The old cars were flashy and the horses looked regal.

As I got older and read the story of Jesus’ parade on what we call “Palm Sunday”, I always wondered what it looked like. Obviously, it was an informal affair that people were trying to formalize as best they could! Clearly, this was an important occasion in their eyes! They attempted to make the road look regal by laying down palm and other branches. Some even took-off their coats and laid them in the road for Jesus and his colt to travel over. Instead of marching bands filling the air with music, they shouted with joy their praises to Jesus, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (NASB)
If you could travel back in a time machine, what might this parade been like? How do you envision this one? If you had been there, who might you identify with? One of his disciples? A bystander caught-up in the excitement? A bystander who was confused by the activity? Maybe you might identify with a bystander who was trying to travel in the opposite direction on this road and the parade was an inconvenience. Or, some might even identify with the Pharisees.

We can all find our place in the story of scripture, if we take a few moments to reflect on it. Each story is made-up of people just like us, with the same kinds of feelings and emotions.

What do you think about parades or other big celebrations? Do you get caught-up in the excitement, pomp and circumstance? If you were to create a calendar of events worth having a parade for, what would you choose? What kinds of events motivate you to get really excited?

I invite you to think about your faith and participation in our church. What gets you most energized? What generates the biggest thrills? Are these moments when you sense Christ’s presence? Are these moments when you feel Jesus is passing by? If so, are you willing to make a “big deal” of his presence? What do you do to lift him up in front of others, that they might know his presence, too? What of your possessions are you willing to sacrifice as he comes near (like some who laid their coats on the ground)? Can you be so bold with your faith that others might speak like the Pharisees, “”Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
In this past week’s Flood New e-letter, Pastor Matt tells the story of a woman named “Anna”, who approached him with a question. “Matt, what do I do with Jesus?” I mean, I have been reading about him for the last few months and I really like him! But there are other things in the Bible that I read and I don’t agree with so “what do I do with Jesus?” Pastor Matt shares that her question is actually THE question, What you and I do with Jesus makes all the difference.
Jesus is blessed and honored by those who greatly adore him. May we be as bold as his followers 2000 years ago, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Jeff Glass
JeffGlass@DIVEintoFLOOD.com

We have covered the different aspects of the heart issue behind generosity this week.  Hopefully it has been as challenging for you as it has been for me.  I want to wrap this week up with a story about my wife and me.

We have a one-bedroom apartment in Ocean Beach and the alley where our lone parking spot exists also becomes the bedroom for several local homeless men.  One in particular has chosen the comfy spot between our car and the wall as one of his favorite places to sleep.  Although my wife and I usually avoid eye contact with this man, every once in a while we let the love of Jesus pour out through a head nod or a half smile.  Usually as we make sure our car door is locked.

One rainy night, as I was walking through the door after a long day, I smell the aroma of chicken tortilla soup!  Within seconds, my love for my wife grows.  After a couple minutes at home, she fills me in that she felt that God wanted us to take some soup to our infamous homeless man.  My first response was, “No, God told YOU to take soup to him.”  I thought maybe the inkling was just in passing, but after dinner I found a plastic container full of soup sitting in front of me along with one of our metal spoons.  Two problems here:  1. Why is it my responsibility to give it to him?  2. Why would we give away one of our wedding gift spoons?  Everybody knows that you don’t break up a set of 12 of anything, ESPECIALLY spoons. Well, since she did not want to be the one handing the soup to him, and I was unwilling to part with my precious spoon, we made a compromise.  If she drove with me to the drug store in order to buy plastic spoons, I would go down and give this man a container of soup (as long as she was with me).  Twenty minutes later, with her waiting at the door to the apartment complex, I approached the man and offered him the soup.  What a story of generosity!!

-Eric Lehman

I was reading a familiar story the other day and the generosity of somebody really stood out to me.  Read John 6:5-13 below.

John 6:5-13:
5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 
    7 Philip answered him, “It would take almost a year’s wages ^[a] to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 
    8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 
    10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 
    12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Many of us may have heard of Jesus feeding the five thousand.  We always emphasize the miracle of five loaves and two fish feeding five thousand people, with twelve baskets of leftover pieces!!  It’s almost like Jesus was really driving home the disciples’ unfaithfulness.  “Oh, everybody is full?  AND there are twelve baskets of leftovers?  Hmmm.  Weird.” 

What stood out to me this time was a character that I had never noticed:  the boy.  As they are trying to figure out how to feed everyone, Andrew speaks up and says, “Here is a boy..”  It does not sound like the disciples were weeding through the crowd looking for food.  This boy came up to the disciples.  And a barley loaf was cheap bread found among the poor.  Here is a poor boy making available the little food that he had.  He could have easily hid among the crowd, but he found his way to the disciples. 

What challenged me was the question of whether I make myself available to be used by God.  Whether I have much to give, or very little, God can use it affect many.  Am I making myself available?  And do I trust that God can use even my small gifts to influence people beyond what I can imagine?  I want to invite you to wrestle through these questions with me.  How can we learn from the example of the little boy?