1 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
JOHN 6:1-9
The miracle of the five loaves and two fish is recorded in all four Gospels. It was a small person who offered his only five loaves and two fish, but Lord Jesus used it to feed more than 5,000 people! We don’t know what the child’s name was, where he came from, or who he became when he grew up. But at that moment, his simple faithful offering manifested the glory of God! Let people understand that Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life.
The Gospel of Mark mentions the background of the occurrence of the five loaves and two fishes miracle. In the name of the Lord, the 12 disciples preached everywhere, cast out demons, performed miracles, and healed the sick! They were very excited to go back to the Lord Jesus and told him everything. But Jesus knew that what they needed most after all the hard work, was to return to God and enjoy rest. When they went to the wilderness secretly, the people saw and followed them! Jesus saw their need, and no matter how exhausted he was, he still taught them many things. At that time, the Passover was approaching. The Jews should have stayed at home to prepare for this great festival, but many people went to the wilderness on the mountain to find Jesus! Jesus Christ had mercy on their needs. It’s a dark evening, how to provide food for these 5,000 people in the wilderness? Philip, the evangelist, said that Two hundred denarii worth of bread was not enough for them! A humble man, Andrew, said to Jesus, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
Andrew saw the hunger problem, and more importantly, he understood that Jesus loved these people! Jesus had compassion on them who were like sheep without a shepherd! Jesus wanted to feed them! He knew that there was no way out! In this wilderness, it was getting dark, it was impossible to find food for them! Andrew was actually very tired too, but he still went to contact a child and brought his offering to Jesus! He tried his best to answer the Lord’s call! Five loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?
Faith is not knowing every steps in solving a problem! But trusting in God who can solve all problems! Knowing the heart of God, consecrating all of ourselves into the hands of God! Trust in God!
Lord, please teach me to be considerate of your heart! Let me realize the needs of those around me and bring them to you! I have little, but I am willing to offer up to your hands! Make me a blessing to many!
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 