Lessons from Loaves

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” (John 6:9)

In our walk with God we try to do so much in our own strength and ability.  I love the account of Jesus feeding the Five Thousand, which is repeated throughout each of the Gospels.  There are many principles it teaches us of God multiplying our efforts to reach many.  Let’s look at a few of the many lessons for us in this passage.

“Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’” (John 6:5)

Jesus is so loving and kind to consider the crowds and their hunger.  Jesus had tried to retreat and have some time alone, but the crowds followed him.  So not only did he take time to heal their sick and continue to minister to them, he wants to feed them as well.  God’s love for us extends into all of the seemingly menial places of our lives we would perhaps deem unimportant.

“He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.  Philip answered him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.’”

I can relate to Philip here, I would see the daunting task in front of me rather than assuming the Lord had a great, miraculous plan in store.  I would consider my own resources and abilities rather than immediately trusting Jesus and not only his ability but his desire to provide for this need.  In this situation, I think these people are so blessed to even be in the presence of Jesus, who cares if they have to skip a meal?  They have had miraculous healing, they have encountered the true and living God!  But God does not trivialize their need, God provides.  God cares about all of our needs.

“One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?  Jesus said ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place.  So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.  Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated.  So also the fish, as much as they wanted.”

And here we see the beautiful, sacrificial faith of a child.  There are thousands of people there.  I don’t think I could feed my family of 6 with that meal.  This boy, however, has seen what Jesus can do, and he trusts the Lord to take what he gives him and make it suffice.  This is one of the most practical lessons I have ever learned in serving others in my city. 

Here are some practical ways to apply these principles to our lives:

1. ·        Pray for Jesus’ heart of love and compassion – I am not always sensitive and kind to the practical needs of others.  I need the Holy Spirit to display his kindness through me so that I am not relying on my own heart, which can be callous and selfish with what I have.  
2. ·        Give what you have – Sometimes in service projects or in my desire to help someone, I have given more than I am able to.  This is a lack of trust in God, as I overextend myself as a way to provide on my own, rather than allowing God to take what I can give and multiply it.  At other times I have given to people or tried to serve in ways God hasn’t specifically called me to, and in my heart I have wanted to be a functional savior or wanted to gain the approval of others.  This will never be fruitful, as I am following my own desires rather than God’s in those situations.
3. ·        Attempt big things – I have seen this play out in my community group many times.  We have had parties for neighbors, fed the homeless, given to people overseas, and tons of other things over the years.  We are not a wealthy group of people, by any means, most of us live on a pretty tight budget.  Yet I have seen everyone show up with what they can provide, and somehow 4-5 families come together and feed 50 or 100 people, give out gifts, or whatever the case may be.
4. ·        Invite others to join you – Jesus could have provided food for everyone without inviting the disciples to join him in doing so, but he didn’t.  God has created us for community, to live and to serve together. 

·        This applies not only to the physical gifts you are able to give, but also to your time and talents.  You may be too scared to step out to serve in a certain ministry.  You may hear Jesus calling you to do something, but you think you can’t do it.  That is great!  It is good to have a level of uncertainty in our own abilities so that you can rely on him and see him work through you and also that your heart may be protected from pride.  You may think you do not have enough time, but again, trust in God that as you seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, he is going to give you the time to do what he is calling you to do. 

·        Trust Jesus.  Have faith.  Rest in his goodness and ability to do immeasurably more than we could ever hope for or imagine.