The Road to Easter: The Bread and Fish Multiplied
(NIV) John 6:8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
There are so many things I really love about the multiplication of the bread and fish. First, I love that Jesus saw the need of the people, but He did not see the lack of provisions. He didn’t wring His hands in desperation, nor was He tempted to give up. He didn’t even pray for God to provide because He already had! Jesus took the young boy’s lunch basket, gave thanks to God and the people ate.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we can find examples of Jesus thanking God, not after He provided but before. When Jesus resurrected Lazarus, His prayer was not that God would breathe new life into a man dead for four days, but instead He gave thanks for God’s faithfulness.
I love that Jesus, the very Bread of Life, born in Bethlehem (City of Bread) was giving bread to feed people’s physical bodies. I love that a young boy became the vessel for this miracle. And I love that Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides, became manifest that day when 5000 men (up to 15,000 people) were fed with leftovers for tomorrow.
So today, in 2024 in preparation for Easter, may we be thankful for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the shelter we have, not asking God for anything more, simply giving thanks.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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