OCTOBER 29

John 6:9-13

                           BOY WITH THE 5 LOAVES & 2 FISHES

The setting is beautiful. At a gentle slope near a mountain, large crowds followed the Lord Jesus and His disciples. They have heard or seen the Lord’s many miracles of healing. They sat and listened for hours as the Lord taught. Counting the men alone, there were 5,000. If we add women and children, the number would probably exceed 10,000. It was about lunch-time and since they were in the countryside, no food could be bought. However, sensing the crowd was hungry, Jesus wanted to feed them.

The disciples found a lad who had five barley loaves and two small fishes. It was his lunch, but he was willing to share it. The disciples knew that was way too small a meal to share with a few, much less among the thousands gathered. But what did Jesus do? He told them to make the crowds to settle down. And then, Jesus performed a fantastic miracle, feeding the huge crowd from the boy’s lunch! That’s not all – the remnants (leftovers) filled 12 baskets!

What may we learn today? To be like this boy. His name was not mentioned, his age is not given. But his faith is clearly seen for he obeyed and gave of all he had to the Lord. That boy, though little, had a faith that was not small. Perhaps he was very hungry, but he was willing to sacrifice his lunch when asked.

What about us? Are we willing to give up things that may be precious to us, should the Lord ask? This passage teaches us a few important lessons:

a. to be a cheerful giver
b. to share things with others
c. to do so happily

Most of all, let us remember that God can use the small things we give to accomplish great things for His glory!

Thought: May I be willing to share with others.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today’s lesson. Please help me to be willing to use my time, money and talents for You, because they are from You. Help me to be kind and never to be selfish. In Jesus’ name - Amen.