One senior bank executive was lured by an advertisement that promised one plate of food free if one plate is purchased. She downloaded the App and ordered food. Within minutes she lost over ninety thousand Indian Rupees from her bank account. (Deccan Herald 27 May 2023)
Feeding of Five Thousand: Lord Jesus Christ fed the five thousand men and others who came to listen to His teachings. (Matthew 14:13-21) Sadly, a group in the crowd remembered only the food and did not reflect on his teaching. They wanted free meals once more and searched for the Lord and His disciples and came to Him.
Sheep without a shepherd: Lord had compassion on them. He loved them and was sorrowful that they do not have the right priorities. For them, the meals for the body were more interesting than the welfare of their souls. They lacked a sense of direction, purpose, and meaning in life.
Food that perishes: Lord wanted them to have an eternal perspective. “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures eternal life which the Son of Man will give to you.” (John 6:27) People should not spend all their time and effort, just to survive (eat and live) or become rich just to enjoy sumptuous meals.
Adam and Eve: The first couple were not hungry or starving. They had plenty of options in the whole Garden of Eden. But, out of curiosity and believing the false promise of becoming like ‘gods,’ (Genesis 3)
Esau: One-time meal was more valuable than firstborn rights for Esau. (Genesis 25:29-34) He demeaned and rejected the leadership role in the family and being part of the Covenant blessing as a descendant of Abraham and Isaac.
No contentment: A bank officer who earns a lot and has a huge bank balance wants to get a free meal. As a senior bank manager, was able to feed the poor and hungry but was seeking free meals for herself. Selfishness blinds the eyes to reality and ears to the cry of the poor.
Do I lead a content life and endeavor to help others?