The Bible says something touching just before Jesus feeds a crowd of five thousand people: “He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things” (Mark 6:34). Jesus gave the people what they needed most: his Word to feed their souls. Then with five small loaves of bread and two fish, he gave them what their bodies needed: food. What a miracle!
It’s what God does for the world every day, including what we need most. He provides for our souls. He gave his Son to die on a cross to pay for the sins of the whole world! Yes, Jesus’ love is for you, but it’s also for everyone and anyone.
I love the word anyone, especially when my wife says it. My weakness is chips. When my wife gets home from the store, my eyes sift through the bags until I see that bright orange Doritos bag. My eyes get big, but I’ve learned to wait to open the bag until Beth gives clearance. “Who is it for?” I ask. She might break my heart. “It’s for taco salad for the party tomorrow. Don’t touch it!” Or, “I want to use it in the kids’ lunches. Stay away.” Or she might throw open the door of delight and say, “Anyone.” And since I qualify as “anyone,” those Doritos are for me! What’s the point? Jesus is for anyone … that includes you!
