The disciples knew power, but they also knew weakness.

In Mark chapter 6 records where they were sent out by Jesus with the power over evil spirits and to heal. Afterwards, they returned with stories of demons being cast out and people miraculously healed. However, a crowd was looking for Jesus, and when they caught up to them, there was a crisis (thousands of people and no food).

The disciples inquired of the Lord about the need, and He said,

“You give them something to eat.”

Their response,

“Shall we go and buy two-hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”  – Mark 6:37 NKJV

What happened next is the familiar story of Jesus feeding the five-thousand, but consider the moment in light of the disciples recent experiences. They had literally just been the instruments of healing and casting out demons in dramatic fashion, but when it came to groceries, they were looking for money. We do that too sometimes. Jesus proves himself faithful in awe-inspiring ways, then a grocery crisis pops-up and we start digging through the “couch cushions” of our life for nickels and dimes as a solution.

In both situations (twelve being sent out, and feeding the five-thousand) the power was the Lord’s. The disciples were always powerless in their own abilities. It was the Lord’s authority that sent demons fleeing, the mention of His name that mended broken bodies, and His miraculous provision refreshing the basket each time bread was drawn out. They were “power-less”, but He was “power-full”.

In what ways will His power be displayed in your life today?