Multiplying Our Little

As we continue following Jesus we next find Him on a mountainside surrounded by a multitude (Luke 9: 12-17; John 6:1-13). It’s a desolate place and darkness is falling. More than 5000 have gathered in search of a miracle, a healing, a word . . . from God. Luke 9:12 tells us that Jesus has already talked to them about the kingdom and has healed “those who needed restoration to health.” In short, He has poured Himself out for these people and had every right to leave in search of much needed rest and seclusion. But that’s not what happened.

“Give them food to eat,” Jesus tells Philip, to which Philip wails “that would cost more than 200 denarii!” a sum equal to nearly seven months wages.  John 6:6 tells us that Jesus was testing Philip, that He already had a plan, a remedy. There was a little boy nearby who had five barley loaves and two small fish. For Jesus that was more than enough.

At once, Jesus has the crowd recline on the grass in groups of fifty. Then He takes the small loves and fishes, blesses them and breaks them, and has his disciples pass them out. And what do you know? Not only were the loaves and fishes enough to feed this huge crowd there were leftovers! The disciples actually filled twelve small hand baskets with them!

This tells us several things. First, that Jesus is not only concerned about our spiritual wellbeing but our physical wellbeing, too. He cared that these people were hungry and that the nearest food store was a considerable distance away. Nothing is too small, too mundane to escape His attention or care.

Then there are all those numbers peppering the story. The number five in five loaves speaks of God’s grace and the number two in two fishes, talks about a division or difference. Jesus was showing them something new. He was showing them grace verses the law, the law symbolized by the number ten. This is again reinforced when He has all the men sit in groups of fifty (5 times 10). He was showing that His grace was sufficient to satisfy everyone. That it would never run out. And finally, the number twelve, as in the twelve baskets of leftovers, indicates God’s government. Remember the twelve tribes of Israel? And the twelve apostles? The twelve baskets of leftovers indicated that God was in control. That His government was perfection itself.  There is no lack in Him. He can take something small, use it and still have surplus. His government is bountiful and generous, as well as powerful.

But did Jesus really need the boy’s bread and fish to do His miracle? The answer is obviously, “no.” He could have easily turned the stones on the dusty ground into food. This tells me that God looks to use us for His glory even in our smallness and impotence, and that He is more than able to use our meager talents, works, activities we have dedicated to Him for something far greater than we can ever imagine. What a privilege to partner with Him in this way!

How greatly God cares for each of us. How deep is His concern for every detail of our lives! And He is a big God, capable of big things. We need not fear failure when we step out for Him. He will take the little we have and bless it and multiply it for His glory. All we need do is take that first step.

Until next time,

Sylvia