How do we see Jesus’ heart for both public ministry and private ministry on display in this text? What does that tell us about the value of each? How might that serve as an encouragement for us as Christians (who engage in various forms of public and private ministry)?

 

Why do you think the disciples respond then way they do in Luke 9:12-13? Why does a scarcity of resources, in the face of substantial need, cause anxiety in our hearts?

 

What does this passage tell us about Jesus’ ability to provide for our practical needs? How should this inform the posture of our hearts, as it relates to those needs?

 

Read John 6:35, 47-51. How do these words from Jesus give us new perspective on our passage here in Luke 9:1-17? What do they tell us about Jesus’ ability to provide for our spiritual needs? How are they calling us to respond to Jesus’ spiritual provision?

 

How are these two responses similar? How are they different?

  • Consuming physical bread that Jesus miraculously provides.
  • Trusting Christ, and receiving the salvation that He miraculously provides.

 

In Luke 9:17, we see that there are 12 baskets worth of leftovers collected after everyone is finished eating their fill. In what ways has Jesus provided for you, even beyond what you had initially hoped for?

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