Main Thought
Becoming more like God often means becoming more compassionate. For that reason, the Every Nation family strives to be socially responsible. But it’s important to remember that people’s primary need is spiritual. Only Jesus can meet our deepest needs, and Jesus chose the Church to deliver that message. No one else can do it! This mindset frames our understanding of social responsibility. We can then begin to identify needs around us and respond in faith. God has given us more than enough to get started. He will make a way for us to make an impact when we move with intentionality and faith.
Main Passages
30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
- Mark 6:30-34
35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”
- Mark 6:35-38
39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.
- Mark 6:39-44
Discussion Questions
Why is it important for Christians to serve others while continuing to keep Jesus front-and-center?
Have you ever served someone practically as a representative of Christ?
Is there a practical need that you, your Life Group, or another group of fellow believers can meet while sharing the love of Jesus?