JANUARY 29, John 6:5-13

In this familiar passage, we read of a huge group of people following Jesus. Jesus saw that the people were hungry and wanted to provide for them. In those days, it was not common to have food stalls or restaurants. They certainly do not have the food centres we have in Singapore where one may buy food at a relatively low price for a large group of people.

Furthermore, although some of the people may have brought their own lunch, many did not. So what did they do? The disciples found a boy with a small lunch, probably enough only for himself or at most for a small group of people: 5 loaves of bread and two fishes. And we know with that, Jesus performed a miracle in providing lunch for all of the people. And after all had eaten their fill, the fragments that were gathered up filled 12 baskets! What a wonderful God Jesus is!

Today, we focus on that boy, for he was willing to share his food. Although it was not very much, it was his all. And although it would not have been able to feed many people in the hands of anyone else, it was able to feed thousands in the hands of Jesus.

Dear child, learn to serve God. You may not have much in terms of time or talent, but give of your all or your best to God. Service to God is not just doing things in church. It includes that, but it covers so many more things. Service to God will mean you being a good Christian example to others. Service to God will mean being an obedient child to your parents, or a kind friend who gives in to others. As the boy in today’s passage gave all of his 5 loaves and 2 fishes, let us learn to give our all to Jesus too!

Thought: Give of your all or best to the Master.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful example of this boy. Help me to be like him, that others may be able to learn positive things from me as I serve You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.