Scripture Reading
‘A huge crowd followed him, attracted by the miracles they had seen him do among the sick. When he got to the other side, he climbed a hill and sat down, surrounded by his disciples. It was nearly time for the Feast of Passover, kept annually by the Jews.
John 6:2-23 (The Message Bible)
When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” He said this to stretch Philip’s faith. He already knew what he was going to do.
Philip answered, “Two hundred silver pieces wouldn’t be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece.”
One of the disciples—it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter—said, “There’s a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that’s a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this.”
Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” There was a nice carpet of green grass in this place. They sat down, about five thousand of them. Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted.
When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted.” They went to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves.’
Definition of Significance:
“Importance” (Cambridge On-Line Dictionary)
”‘The quality of being important” (Merriam-Webster On-Line Dictionary)
Introductory Remarks:
What makes a mother or anyone else significant is the loving service they render and not their list of personal achievements and possessions.
Major Points of the Lesson:
1. God ‘wired’ us all for significance not selfishness.
- A mother inspired her son for service.
- A son inspired Jesus’ miracle through his devoted service and obedience.
2. Living a significant life means that a boundless amount of generosity, compassion, and loving service can be shared with others when we live unselfishly.
3. Who wants to live a life of significance? Start now by refusing to live for yourself, alone. Serve in community with others.
Quote:
“A mother or mother figure who gives their life away in service to family and others is living a life of significance.”
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