I have read the story on the how the Lord fed the 5,000 people several times (John 6: 1-14) but it didn’t occur to me that although the same questions were presented to the disciples, there are two different kinds of responses.
The story goes this way: A huge multitudes were following Jesus and it was a long journey and they became weary, tired and hungry.
Although Jesus and His disciples were also tired and hungry, yet Jesus had compassion on the people and turned to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
Many a time, the Lord can do many things on his own but he chose to involve His disciples. He also posed the same questions to us – He wants us to learn to trust Him in all situations.
Response from Philip:
John 1:7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”
Instead of trusting God, Philips started to figure out the amount that they need to spend to feed this huge group of people. When we see a situation at hand, the first thing we do is to figure out how to go about it in our term and then we deemed that it is an impossible task instead of turning to God.
Response from Andrew:
John 1:8-9 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” , but what are they among so many?”
Sometimes, we thought that Andrew is so foolish to even mention about the 5 barley loaves and two small fish. How can this small quantity feed the 5,000 people? But I think at least he still looked around and offered to the Lord what was available even though it was so little.
However, it was recorded that the Lord took this small quantity and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples[a] to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Amazing miracle
Although the quantity was very small but after the Lord had blessed it, it met the needs of the 5,000 people and there was also remains left that filled up twelve baskets full!
Reflection
Do not belittle our small portion, though it may be humbling or seemed very insignificant to mention, God can use it to meet the needs of many people. We just need to be simple and place it in the Lord’s hand and He will multiply it and use it to bless others greatly.
The story goes this way: A huge multitudes were following Jesus and it was a long journey and they became weary, tired and hungry.
Although Jesus and His disciples were also tired and hungry, yet Jesus had compassion on the people and turned to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
Many a time, the Lord can do many things on his own but he chose to involve His disciples. He also posed the same questions to us – He wants us to learn to trust Him in all situations.
Response from Philip:
John 1:7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”
Instead of trusting God, Philips started to figure out the amount that they need to spend to feed this huge group of people. When we see a situation at hand, the first thing we do is to figure out how to go about it in our term and then we deemed that it is an impossible task instead of turning to God.
Response from Andrew:
John 1:8-9 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” , but what are they among so many?”
Sometimes, we thought that Andrew is so foolish to even mention about the 5 barley loaves and two small fish. How can this small quantity feed the 5,000 people? But I think at least he still looked around and offered to the Lord what was available even though it was so little.
However, it was recorded that the Lord took this small quantity and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples[a] to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Amazing miracle
Although the quantity was very small but after the Lord had blessed it, it met the needs of the 5,000 people and there was also remains left that filled up twelve baskets full!
Reflection
Do not belittle our small portion, though it may be humbling or seemed very insignificant to mention, God can use it to meet the needs of many people. We just need to be simple and place it in the Lord’s hand and He will multiply it and use it to bless others greatly.
Yes, Jesus could have called down manna from heaven, but instead He prefers to use what we have to offer. I was just wondering could there be an adult among the 5,000 who had brought some food but refused to give it to the Lord. ???
ReplyDeleteI think it is quite possible...
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