Mark 6:30-44

“I’m soooo busy” is a common sentence I hear from people a lot.  That can mean finding quality time to spend with our family and friends can sometimes be challenging. However, the Lord has graciously provided us with opportunities to build and strengthen relationships while also engaging in the work of spreading His love and message. One such tradition that can facilitate this is the humble picnic.

Picnics used to be a big deal when my children were young and something we did as a family often. We would take other couples and their kids, and we thought going on a picnic as a couple under the stars would be very romantic.  We could be found with a Frisby and football in hand along with a picnic basket headed to a lake, river, beach and/or mountain trail most weekends back in the 80’s and 90’s.  Whether in a park, by the beach, or in the countryside, going a picnic with families and friends was a way to gather and savor the joys of dining in nature.

Picnic baskets of the 1980s were a delightful blend of classic designs and functional features to include: Sturdy rectangular or oval woven wicker baskets with a hinged lid, insulated lined compartments to keep food and drinks cool, tableware (plates, cups, saucers and utensils, salt and pepper shakers, & cloth napkins, wine glasses) and they came with ample storage space with various compartments and pockets to organize and secure different items. The basket was designed with carrying handles and straps and a strapped picnic blanket. Overall, the picnic baskets of the 1980s combined practicality with a touch of nostalgia. They were designed to evoke a sense of charm and sophistication while providing all the necessary tools for a memorable outdoor meal.

The idea of going on a picnic may seem ordinary, even mundane, but when we examine the life and ministry of Jesus, we find that He often embraced such occasions to connect with people on a deeper level. In fact, Jesus demonstrated how a simple act of sharing a meal in the open can become a powerful platform for evangelism.

One striking example of Jesus’ approach can be found in Mark 6:30-44, where He feeds the five thousand. In this passage, we see that Jesus and His disciples had been tirelessly ministering to the people, healing the sick, and teaching the Word of God. Recognizing their need for rest and nourishment, Jesus suggests they retreat to a desolate place. However, the crowd followed them and Jesus, in His compassion, continued ministering to them.

As the day wore on, the disciples became concerned about the lack of food available in the remote location. Sensing their doubt, Jesus instructed them to gather what little food they had—five loaves of bread and two fish. He then blessed the food, multiplied it miraculously, and fed the entire crowd, with twelve baskets of leftovers remaining.

This miraculous event is not only a demonstration of Jesus’ power but also a profound example of His heart for people. Notice that Jesus took the initiative to meet their physical needs before addressing their spiritual ones. He engaged them in an outdoor setting, creating an atmosphere of fellowship, where they could relax and connect with one another.

Similarly, when we gather for a picnic with our family and friends, we create an opportunity for fellowship and intimacy. It is in these moments that we can share our lives, listen to one another’s struggles, and offer support and encouragement. Through genuine relationships, we build trust, open doors for meaningful conversations, and create space for the gospel to take root.

Consider the parables Jesus shared during meals, such as the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) or the great banquet (Luke 14:15-24). Jesus used these occasions to communicate spiritual truths and extend God’s invitation to those present. Likewise, as we gather around the picnic blanket, we can weave conversations about faith into our interactions, share personal testimonies, and gently introduce others to the transformative power of the gospel.

Remember, evangelism is not about imposing our beliefs on others but rather embodying Christ’s love and compassion, meeting people where they are, and inviting them to experience the joy and freedom found in a relationship with Him.

I think we should embrace the tradition of going on a picnic as more than just a leisurely activity. We can view it as an opportunity to spend intentional time with our loved ones, foster genuine connections, and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus fed the multitude both physically and spiritually, may our picnics become moments of nourishment, renewal, and transformation.

Today, thank God for the gift of fellowship and the joy of sharing a meal with our loved ones. Ak God to help you to recognize the potential for evangelism in these simple moments and give you the courage to share Your love with those around you whether in a picnic or over a cup of coffee. Slow down and look for unique opportunities to sit, listen and share the good news of Jesus Christ and salvations with others. Maybe it’s time to grab a picnic basket and head out into nature to enjoy this wonderful world, including the bugs and gnats, that God created to get a new perspective on life.