“There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” John 6:9
Let us pretend that we are part of the crowd that has followed Jesus because of His miracles. As we look around us, we see about five thousand men, plus women and children. We watch as a small boy edges close to the front. He is near enough to hear when Jesus talks with Andrew and Philip about the need to feed the people. He hears their argument that it would take a great amount of food, and there was not any place near to buy it, even if they had the money.
Let us call this young lad, Jonathan. We watch as he pulls out the little lunch his mother had given him before he left that morning. He is hungry but realizes he would not feel right eating it if others did not have anything. So hesitantly, he steps up to Andrew and tells him he is willing to share what he has with others.
Andrew, possibly feeling a bit doubtful, takes Jonathan with him and tells Jesus what he has. Can you imagine the smile that Jesus bestows upon Jonathan, as he reaches out and takes the lunch from him? Then he tells the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the grass.
Jesus then gives thanks to God and begins to break the bread and the fish. As it multiplies in His hands, He passes it out to the disciples to distribute. Everyone in the crowd have all they needed to eat. When they finish, Jesus says: “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.”
John 6:13 “Therefore they gathered them together and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.”
Jesus knew exactly how this story would unfold. The little lad was not there by coincidence. He was where the Lord wanted him to be to fulfill a purpose. His lunch was small but with compassion and generosity, he gave Jesus all and the result was a great miracle. The multitude was fed and the disciples each had a basketful of bread.
Often, we think we do not have much to offer the Lord. We tend to compare our gifts and talents to others and sell ourselves short. Jesus can use any one of us, whether young or old. All He asks is that we let His Spirit lead us day by day. He knows where and when we are needed.
What do you have to offer the Lord today? He wants our time, our talents, and our treasures. When we offer what we have freely to Him, He will open the doors for service.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you look at each one of us as individuals. We each have our gifts and abilities. Help us to be willing to give them all to you. Direct our steps each day.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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