FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND
In all four of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) the miracle feeding of the five thousand is recorded; with great reason.
Having only five loaves and two fish, nearly 15,000 people total were able to eat until they were satisfied. Wow!
At first, the disciples asked that Jesus dismiss the large crowd so that they could get themselves something to eat. As a surprise to the disciples, Jesus flipped the script and said for them to give the people something to eat.
This is great because we know that they disciples did not have food to feed the 15,000 people. In that moment Jesus has asked the disciples to do what they saw as impossible in their own ability and resources. How often have we been in a similar situation? Where God has called us to do something that on our own is impossible. “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’” (Luke 18:27) Sometimes we need to be reminded that what we see and do is not from our own power. In those moments we get to experience the majesty and power of Jesus!
Once the disciples realized that they were not able to provide the food necessary for this many people, Jesus gives them an instruction to find out how much food can they find. When we find ourselves challenged to be obedient to the calling God has placed on our lives, Jesus will always give us a way.
So the disciples return with five loaves and two fish. Certainly again they realize that this alone is not enough to feed so many people. Have you ever had the thought something like, “If I can just prove to God this is not possible, He will agree and we can do something else.”? Maybe the disciples were thinking something similar. Or have you ever felt like the little that you have to offer is not enough for the task that God is calling you to?
Instead of giving up, Jesus instructs the disciples to have the people sit down. He then takes the five loaves and two fish, gives thanks to God and distributes them to His disciples so that they can give them out to the people. In obedience to Jesus, the disciples begin to serve the people. When everyone had finished eating there were 12 baskets full leftover!
How many miracles are we missing out on because we doubt what Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”?
What is impossible for us is an opportunity to witness God’s glory.