February 17

But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do. — John 6:6 BSB

Jesus continually tests His disciples, putting their faith to the test. He constantly brings before us situations of need, sorrow, and hardship—to see how we will respond. He wants to draw out our love, sympathy, and tenderness, and train us to do the works of love that He has left for us to do.

The disciples thought they couldn’t feed the crowd that had gathered, yet Jesus intended for them to do just that. Their small offering, blessed and used by Him, was more than enough. We often think we can’t meet the needs, sorrows, or hungers that come before us, but we can if we are willing. Christ calls us to minister in His name to everyone He sends our way. We may feel we don’t have much to offer, but even our few kind words, tears of sympathy, and small expressions of love—when used by Christ—can do great good for the weary hearts around us. We should never say, “There’s nothing I can do!” In the face of any need, Jesus says, “Give them something to eat,” and we must go, even if we think we have only a crumb or a crust to offer.