Therefore, when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward Him, He asked Philip, “Where will we buy bread so these people can eat?” He asked this to test him, for He Himself knew what He was going to do. Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread wouldn’t be enough for each of them to have a little.” John 6:5-7 HCSB
My son, Jonathan, has been on two mission trips to West Africa. The first time was to Niger and the second was to Sierra Leone. In both locations he observed people who were sick as a result of poor nutrition. Jonathan had the painful experience of watching a five year old little boy die as a result of poor nutrition. It is estimated that there are 975 million people in our world who are hungry. Even in America there are 19 million people who are hungry. Most of us are fortunate to have three healthy meals every day. We have multiple restaurants and grocery stores filled with a variety of food. In America, we are richly blessed.
Jesus had been teaching and healing people all day. He noticed that a large crowd had gathered and more were coming. It was late in the day and obviously the people needed to eat. Since Philip lived in the area, Jesus asked him where they could purchase some bread to feed the people. Philip’s response indicated he was more concerned with how much money it would take. Two hundred denarii would be equivalent to approximately $40.00 in U.S. Currency, which in Jesus’ time would have been a year’s wage. Therefore, Philip was basically saying, “We haven’t got enough money to buy food to feed these people.” Jesus knew that He was going to provide the food for the crowd but wanted to test Philip and his faith.
Challenge: There are hungry people around you today. What can you do to make a difference in the lives of those who are physically hungry and spiritually hungry? Skip a meal this week and give the money you would have spent to world hunger. Volunteer at Dare to Care. The next time you are at the grocery story, thank God for the variety and abundance of food you are able to enjoy. Always be ready to give an explanation of the Hope that is within you to those who are spiritually hungry. Share the love of Christ each day with those you encounter.