Before Door Dash and packaged fruit snacks were invented, Jesus took care of convenient food. He miraculously created it for a crowd of over 5,000 people. Here are some key lessons.
This true Bible story begins when Jesus “withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:13,14).
Lesson One: Do Disturb. I’m truly jealous that Jesus is so generous with his time, and ready to be inconvenienced. How does he do it so well and so often? He’s trying to get away but the crowds interrupt his vacation. He rolls with it.
I would have hidden from the crowds. God can and does disturb his plans for those who need him.
Lesson Two: Hurt Healer. Jesus doesn’t look at the crowds and feel disgust or disappointment. He feels compassion. They’re hurting, and it hurts him that they’re hurting. So he performs healing miracles all day because he can, and he cares.
“As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat’” (Matthew 14:15,16).
Lesson Three: Logic Isn’t Lord. The disciples cite sensible reasons to send the crowd away, but Jesus disagrees. Careful of bargaining with Jesus or praying to Jesus with your limited logic.
Lesson Four: Agency. The disciples didn’t see themselves dealing with the hunger problem. Honestly, they didn’t see Jesus dealing with it, either. They were wrong on both accounts.
Before performing the miracle, Jesus involves the disciples in his work. He gives them an assignment and plans to work his power through them.
That’s called agency. Jesus loves doing this, including today with you.
The disciples gather what they can, and end up accumulating five loaves of bread and two fish. Not nearly enough for the task.
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people” (Matthew 14:19).
Lesson Five: Scarcity vs. Generosity. With Jesus, our lack of resources, our “all that I have left,” and our little ability doesn’t limit him. Give him whatever little you have, and trust him with courageous generosity.
Lesson Six: Thankful. Jesus thanked God the Father for the little meal, knowing it was enough to do what the Father wanted him to do. Thank God for what you have, before complaining about what you don’t have.
God will do more with big thanks for small things than small thanks for big things.
“They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over” (Matthew 14:20).
Lesson Seven: More. Generous Jesus doesn’t give just enough. He gives more than enough!
PRAYER: Jesus, too often I limit you by my own logic that is too small for your plans. I do believe that you can do much more than what I think or how much I trust. Move my faith to open more of your doors. Amen.
TAKE IT DEEPER: Reflect on this list of lessons. Which would you like to take with you today and transform your thinking toward Jesus?
Do Disturb
Hurt Healer
Logic Isn’t Lord
Agency
Scarcity vs. Generosity
Thankful
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