Who is This?
* In Luke 8:22-56, Jesus demonstrates his comprehensive power & authority.

* Authority over nature (8:22-25). Jesus calmed a dangerous storm. "In fear and amazement [his disciples] asked one another, 'Who is this? He commands even the winds and water, and they obey him" (8:25, NIV).

* Authority over evil spirits (8:26-39). Jesus drove out many demons (evil spirits) from a man.

* Authority over sickness and death (8:40-56). Jesus healed a woman who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years; and he raised a man's daughter from the dead. Who is this Jesus?

He Who Sends
* Jesus was sent to preach the kingdom of God and heal people (Luke 4:43; 8:1-2). But he was not sent to do it alone. While Jesus was the Sent One, he also sent his disciples.

¶ "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them the power and authority to drive out demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick." (Luke 9:1-2, NIV) "So they went out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere." (9:6, NIV)

He Who Welcomes
* After the Twelve returned from their travels, they needed some rest, but … Read Luke 9:10-11.

* Jesus teaches by example. Sometimes we need to withdraw (get away) to rest and pray. "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (5:16). But Jesus also welcomed opportunities.

What are These?
* As evening approached, the Twelve became sensitive to a problem. Read Luke 9:12-14a.

* The disciples' concern seems reasonable. But Jesus replied, "You give them something to eat."

1. How do you think the disciples felt after Jesus' reply? How did they respond?

He Who Provides
* Jesus knew the disciples were unable, but he wanted to teach a lesson. Read Luke 9:14b-17.

* The disciples listened to Jesus, and then followed his instructions.

2. What resulted from the actions of Jesus and his disciples?

He Who Teaches
* The obvious result was the feeding of the crowd. "They all ate and were satisfied" (9:17a). The provision of Jesus was more than adequate, for "the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over" (9:17b). But Jesus' primary purpose was not the filling of bellies (that is, the physical satisfaction of the people). Jesus wanted to teach something.

3. What can we learn from this story? What can we learn about Jesus? What can we learn about following Jesus and serving him?

* Jesus is the provider. In this situation, Jesus provided for the material needs of the crowd, which is important. But there are deeper needs, and Jesus provides at a much deeper level. In John's gospel, this story sets up Jesus teaching that he is the "bread of life" (John 6:1-15, 25-59).

¶ "Jesus declared, '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…I tell you the truth, he who believes [in me] has everlasting life. I am the bread of life." (John 6:35, 47-48, NIV)

4. What kind of hunger and thirst is Jesus talking about? To what extent can the "Bread of Life" bring satisfaction to our lives?

* In this needy world, Jesus calls his followers to serve. We may feel that our resources are inadequate, but Jesus takes the little we have to offer, and increases it to accomplish his purposes. Our part is faithfulness. Jesus provides the sustenance and ability to do his will.

5. God can take our "inadequate resources" and use them to accomplish great things. What are examples of the "little" we may have to offer? What do we (as believers) need to do?

Reflection/Application
† Are you hungry in the deepest part of your being? What can satisfy your hunger? Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." Only he can satisfy our deepest needs. Come to Jesus. Believe in him.

† If you are a believer, think about question 5. Is there something you believe God wants you to do, but you feel you have little to offer? Step out in faith, and trust the Provider.