“We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
Matthew 14:17
One of the best known events of Jesus’ ministry is the feeding of the five thousand. It was certainly significant to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John since they each included their remembrance of the afternoon in their gospels.
Jesus was tired and wanted to rest, but crowds followed Him. With compassion, He healed and continued to teach. As evening approached, He asked His disciples where they could get food. “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered (Matthew 14:17).
Jesus gave thanks, and 5000 men plus women and children were fed with twelve baskets left over. Imagine that you were there. What would be going through your mind?
John’s account of this miracle includes something not in the other’s accounts. Jesus said, “Have the people sit down” (John 6:10a). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted (John 6:11a).
o The huge crowd obeyed him, at least the ones who were fed. Am I obeying what He has told me? Are you?
o God can and does multiply whatever we give Him. It may be food as with the boy who shared his lunch. It may be our time, our talents, or our treasures. What can you give Him today?
o The boy’s mother had probably baked the bread that he took with him.
There are many, many times when no one knows what part we had in blessing others. We may not even know ourselves, but God does. Could it be you?
As you go about your activities today, would you carry this visual picture with you? The boy returns home. Listen as he walks in the door of his home. Can you hear him? “Mom, you aren’t going to believe what happened today!”
Lynda S.
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