Main Thought
There are only two miracles included by all four gospel writers: the Resurrection of Christ and the feeding of the 5,000. What can we learn from the miracle of Jesus feeding the great multitude? Here’s one thing: we can learn about the environment and the events that produce a miracle. So many people want a miracle, whether it be a small one or a big one. But miracles can only take place when there is a need for one. Then, if a miracle is going to happen, we often need to prepare for it. We must prepare ourselves and our situation to properly steward anything God gives us. Next, something unexpected happens: Jesus takes. Jesus took the boy’s lunch. In a similar way, Jesus may want to take something from us. This might include our pride, our sin, our energy, our time, finances, our ideal future, our finances, and so much more. Though it might be hard to let go of these things, we can trust in God’s wisdom, power, and love when we do. It’s only after we hand over “our loaf” to Jesus that He does a miracle. Jesus does miracles while we sit at His feet. We need to rest in Him. Resting in God (or waiting on Him) means that we actively steward the things we’re responsible for to the best of our ability - then, trust God with everything else. We do our best and then trust God with the rest. If we’re willing to take these difficult steps, we help create an environment where miracles can happen in our midst.
Main Passages
5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
- John 6:5-9
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
- John 6:10-13
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
- Lamentations 3:22-23
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
Why does Jesus “take our loaves”? Why does He often require us to lay down things that are near and dear to us? (See also: Luke 19:23; Luke 14:27; Matthew 4:19-20; Hebrews 12:1-2, etc.)
What “loaf” do you need to give God before sitting at His feet?