John 6:1-15
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish…” John 6:9 [NASB]
The focus of our meditation today is Jesus’ feeding of the Five Thousand with fives loaves and two fish - the one and only miracle recorded in all the four gospels (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:23-44 & Luke 9:10-17). A miracle of its kind could only be done by the Lord of heaven and earth but it does hold some valuable principles for the Christian life.
Eliminate All Doubts
Jesus tested Philip by asking him where they could buy bread for the crowd, although Jesus knew what He would do (Vs 5-6). Rather than respond with ‘Lord You are able to do this’, Philip thought of the expense involved or the practical impossibility of buying food for such a large crowd. Now Andrew, when he brought the five loaves and two fish to Jesus, doubted what this small portion could do to satisfy five thousand men plus women and children. Philip and Andrew were Jesus’ disciples who had listened to Him teaching and seen their Master perform miracles like heal the sick, cast out demons, calm the storm and compassionately minister to the needy. They had witnessed and experienced the mighty power of God working in their Master and yet they doubted. As we reflect on our faith today, are we at a juncture in life feeling dejected or doubtful, still waiting for the fulfilment of promises of God? Do not doubt! We serve a living God and He is able to fulfill every promise He has given you.
Complete Submission
While Philip considered the impossibility of the situation and Andrew felt the enormity of the situation, here is a little boy showing trust in the Master who had healed the sick and ministered to the crowd throughout the day. He gave all he had – his lunch of five barley loaves and two fish (V.9). While the disciples doubted that any of their supplies could meet the need of feeding the five thousand, the lad thought that giving the little he had would make a small difference – but it made all the difference!! When the child surrendered what he had, Jesus turned it into a blessing for everyone. Are we like the disciples, unwilling to commit our abilities to the Lord fearing that it is insufficient? Or are we like the little boy, submitting whatever limited abilities we have to the Master’s care that He may make us a blessing to others? Bear in mind that unless we surrender ourselves to Him, God cannot use us as He wills.
Seek the Lord’s Touch
Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and distributed it to all the people gathered (V.11). The Master’s blessing upon the humble offering was sufficient to satisfy the great multitude and yet there were twelve baskets full of leftover. The master’s touch - His presence in our lives can bring a fullness that nothing else can! What seems impossible to the human mind becomes a reality in the hands of God. God can turn our nothings into great blessings. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Eph. 3:20).
If you are faced with impossibilities today, entrust them to the Lord – not doubting what God can do in and through your life. All He requires of you is complete trust and surrender and He will transform your circumstances and abilities into great blessings!
Prayer: Abba Father, I surrender myself into Your hands. I seek You alone and pray that weak as I am, You will mold me and use me to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Listen: 'Two hands, one heart'
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