Through the Bible: Lukeنموونە

Feeding the Five Thousand

But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

Luke 9:13-14, 17 (ESV)

Aside from Jesus’ resurrection, this is the only miracle that is recorded in all four gospels. It must be an important one.

In this miracle, the disciples (God’s workers) ask God to feed the people. I always remember a sermon preached by Rev George Wood many years ago. He pointed out that we often do not have adequate resources at the start of doing God’s work and serving God’s people. God starts with the little resources that we already have. He wants us to surrender what we have but have faith that God will multiply and provide.

As God’s people consume those resources, we will find that God provides not just enough but in abundance, and we will be left with much more in the end.

So it starts with us giving and using what we have, and with God, He will multiply, and we will end with abundance. Because we have a God who creates, provides, and blesses us abundantly.

Prayer

Oh, Father God, we worship You, for You are Jehovah Jireh, God who provides. We will not lack anything in You, especially in doing Your work; even if we have little, God, You will multiply what we have. Thank You, Lord, for feeding us and blessing us abundantly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.