Waiters, Not Chefs

"And taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people.”
Mark 8:6

Notice how many times the word "serve" appears in just two verses. That repetition is not an accident.

Jesus is teaching His disciples something they desperately need to understand: you are the waiter, not the chef.

A good waiter does not take credit for the food. They did not shop for it, prep it, or cook it. They simply carried it from the kitchen to the table. When the meal is outstanding, the compliments go to the chef.

Jesus is showing His disciples that every good thing they deliver to others comes from His hands first. The credit belongs to the Creator, not the carrier.

This reframes everything. Your generosity, your encouragement, your gifts, your service: none of it originates with you.

God provides, and you get the privilege of carrying it to someone else.

That is not a diminishment of your role. That is the joy of it.

The waiters also trust the chef.

They do not peek into the kitchen and second-guess the recipe. They do not withhold the dish because they personally would have seasoned it differently.

They trust that what comes out of that kitchen is good, and they bring it to the table with confidence.

God is asking the same of you. When He places something in your hands to give, do not overthink it or hold back.

Trust the One who prepared it, and deliver it faithfully.

Before you serve in any capacity this week, whether at church, at home, or at work, pause and ask God to fill your hands with what He wants delivered.

Then carry it well.

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for the times I have taken credit for what You provided. Help me to serve others with open hands, knowing that every good thing flows from You. In Jesus' name, Amen.