The odd thing about life is that at times we feel like we can take on the whole world, and at other times, it feels like all we can do simply to make it through the day. This is not because of where we live, or our times, or even our circumstances. It is a part of the human condition – and has been for a very long time. Luke gives us a window into these two perspectives. First we see the Apostles sent out by Jesus with great power and authority. Then we see these same Apostles, after returning from a successful mission, unable to imagine how they can manage. There is a lesson in this for all of us: our power and authority come not from ourselves, but from Jesus; and when we have Jesus, it is amazing what we can do. That is what we see in "The Feeding of the Five Thousand" (Luke 9:1-17)

I. Sent by the King
A. Equipped
B. The Mission

II. Tested by the King
A. Who Has the Need?
B. Who Can Provide?

III. Sufficiency of the King
A. More Sufficient Than We Think
B. Sufficient for Our Needs

Questions for consideration: (1) In what ways has the Lord gifted you? How has that allowed you to serve Him? What temptations does that bring? (2) What can you do to remind yourself that Jesus is sufficient for you? (3) How can you find Jesus in the ordinary challenges of life?