Bring them here!

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” Matthew 14:17

The disciples saw the problem with regard to the crowd and had a quick solution – send them away to get food for themselves. But they were rather surprised when Jesus told them “you feed them.” He had the solution.  This highlights that small, surrendered offerings can become abundant through God's power.  Jesus provides for His people regardless of the situation. This symbolises abundance, divine provision, trust and   compassion always in Him.  Also it emphasizes that small efforts are impactful and significant.

This miracle teaches that God can meet overwhelming needs even when human resources appear insufficient.  An encouragement to offer the little we have (like the boy’s small lunch), God can multiply it to accomplish extraordinary things for his own glory. 

We see highlights of Jesus of deep compassion for people's suffering, as He took immediate action to address their physical and spiritual needs. The verse that really highlights again this is in Romans 4:17…… “This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.”  This is so significant, when the Lord who is infinite takes over, He makes the small things to stand out!  

The lesson I learned here is that human insufficiency is not a barrier to divine provision. When we bring our meager resources to Jesus, He multiplies them to meet overwhelming needs, he is the only one who can shift our perspectives from scarcity to abundance. The more reason to trust him. Do you see that what is "only" enough for one person is multiples in Jesus’ hands to feed five thousand and more! It’s about trusting God’s power rather than counting limitations.   

Just as Jesus used an ordinary meal, He uses small, common, or imperfect offerings to accomplish extraordinary purposes. In John 6:35 He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

The picture below was drawn by a friend to illustrate the two fish in this story.  She was touched when she read the story and used her drawing talent as an illustration She uses her talent to share Jesus with those around her.  The writing says “two fish”. I am reminded of the time when God asked Moses “What is that in your hand?” Exodus 4:2

Pray your response to the Lord personally, meaningfully and genuinely!

Reflect: What is your reaction when Jesus asks you personally to do something?