On two occasions, Jesus fed multitudes of men, women, and children with a few small fish and a few loaves of bread (Mark 6:32-44; Mark 8:1-9). He took "a little" and made it "much."
Both times when Jesus fed the multitudes, he and his disciples were tired, searching for some quiet time. Jesus had been teaching, preaching, and healing, and the people just kept coming to Him. He looked on them with a heart of compassion and saw their need - they were hungry, both physically and spiritually. He served from his place of need - he was tired; he needed time alone with his Father - but Jesus came to serve.
The first time Jesus fed the multitudes, his disciples wanted to send the people away to buy their own food; they weren't up for spending their money to feed them (Mark 6:37). Jesus asked what resources were available; the disciples had one little boy with 5 loaves of bread and 2 small fish. The disciples organized the people into groups, Jesus gave thanks for the loaves and fish, and then told the disciples to serve the people. All there ate until they were full; the leftovers filled 12 baskets!
When Jesus performed the "something from nothing" miracle again, the disciples had already seen him feed the 5,000 men (not counting the women and children) and walk on water; yet when He commanded them to feed the people, the disciples still wondered where they were going to find food for that many people in such a remote area! This time Jesus had 7 loaves and a few fish to work with, and again, He did what only He can do - He multiplied what seemed to be insufficient supplies and fed 4,000 men (plus women and children) until they were filled, with food to spare.
God never wastes an opportunity to teach us that He takes what we have to offer, as insignificant as it seems, and multiplies it to meet needs and to demonstrate His love. We may be the little boy who offered his 5 loaves and 2 small fish, or we may be the doubting, not-quite-ready for service disciples who didn't fully understand who their source was. Whoever we are, wherever we are in our walk with the Lord, God wants to use us. Our "basket" may seem empty of the ingredients necessary to feed those in need, but God is able to take what's there and create a meal sufficient to fill the hungry. All He requires is our faith and our obedience and our willingness to give from our limited resources. He does the rest.
As we enter this time of Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, let's seek ways to serve others. Just as Jesus called his disciples to feed his sheep, we are called. When we yield our resources to God, we can expect Him to provide the increase, meet the needs of others, and reveal more of who He is. He will be glorified, and we will learn the miracle of servanthood and the blessings of sacrifice.
"Little is much, when God is in it."
God, You are good all the time. You're abundance is sufficient to multiply our limited supply. All you require is a servant's heart; You do the rest.
We pray that You will touch our hearts, show us where we are needed to serve, and then use us to help others. We are blessed; please put in us a desire to serve You by serving others, to use what You have given us that others might know You.
We ask all this in Your name. Amen.
We pray that You will touch our hearts, show us where we are needed to serve, and then use us to help others. We are blessed; please put in us a desire to serve You by serving others, to use what You have given us that others might know You.
We ask all this in Your name. Amen.
