YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT

Luke 9:10-17

Key Verse: 9:13a

“He replied, ‘You give them something to eat.’”

1.      Read verse 10. What did the apostles report? Why are they called “apostles?” Why did they withdraw to Bethsaida, a quiet place by themselves? How might they have felt about this retreat?

2.      Read verse 11. Why might such a crowd gather after the apostles’ mission? What was Jesus’ attitude toward the crowd? What did he talk about and what did he do? How is this related to what the apostles had done? What could they learn? What can we learn about the kingdom of God?

3.      Read verses 12-13a. Late in the afternoon, what thoughtful suggestion did the Twelve make? How does this show their mindfulness? How did Jesus respond? Why did he give them such an impossible job? (How big was the crowd?)

4.      Read verse 13b-15.How did the Twelve respond to Jesus’ impossible command? How much did they bring Jesus? What did Jesus tell them to do? What might be difficult about making the crowd sit down?

5.      Read verses 16-17. What did Jesus do with the loaves and fish they brought him? Why did he look up to heaven and give thanks, then began to break the bread? What did they learn?

6.      How did the disciples participate further? What did Jesus teach us and them in this event about being shepherds of God’s flock? About growing in Jesus’ image? What might this command, “You give them something to eat,” mean to us?