“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” -John 6:9
One of the great struggles of our faith is that we easily doubt what God is capable of doing with us, and through us. In part, this comes from limited vision. We sometimes fail to see our gifts as God sees them. We doubt that we have what it takes to make a significant difference. I believe this is why John tells the powerful story of the feeding of the 5000.
John records that Jesus and his disciples travel up a small mountain. They are followed by a massive crowd. When they stop and rest, they are immediately faced with the challenge of how to care for this large group of followers. This is the scene where one of the great miracles in history takes place. This miracle is made possible through the efforts of Jesus and a young boy who has five loaves of bread and two small fish.
While the disciples worried about feeding such a large group, Jesus took the opportunity to teach an important lesson. Jesus asked Phillip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Phillip, shocked by Jesus’ question replied, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Phillip never got to answer of “where” to buy the bread. Jesus knew they did not have the money, but he knew there was a way.
Andrew, Peter’s brother, pointed out there was a small boy with just a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. He was trying to be helpful, but he knew that small amount would not go far in such a large crowd. It was enough. Jesus had the people sit down. He gave thanks and passed the fish and bread. Everyone had more than enough to eat.
When we realize that God takes our offering, large or small, and works good for those around us, we will see that we have much to offer. I am sure the young boy who brought a little food with him did not realize that he would help to bring about one of the greatest miracles in the Bible. He simply offered what he had, and God did the rest.
We are capable of great things, not because of what we have to offer, but because our God is working through us. We can make a difference when we choose to give from the gifts God has offered us.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
