Earlier in chapter 9, Luke tells us that Jesus sent his disciples to preach the Gospel, to drive our demons and to heal all kinds of diseases.
What is quite striking is the fact that Jesus sent them in this missionary journey with the command to take nothing with them; no bag, no money, no bread and no extra clothes.
The had to rely totally on God’s provision.
On their return, the disciples reported all that has been done. I can only imagine their excitement and wonder…
As people found out again that Jesus was around, they gathered in a great multitude to listen to His message and to receive deliverance from their diseases.
Jesus’ teaching continued later into the day, causing the disciples to express their concern, asking Jesus to send them away into the surrounding villages to find some food. Instead of sending the crowds away, Jesus gave the disciples a very challenging command: “You give them something to eat”.
They replied: “We have no more than five loaves and two fish…”
Two fish and five loaves is a laughable supply for such a great need.
We can easily lose our focus here if we concentrate on their lack of ability to fulfil such command. We ought to focus on Christ’s sufficiency.
Jesus takes “the little” they had, blesses the Provider, breaks it, multiplies it gives it to the crowd and everyone is satisfied…moreover, 12 baskets of leftovers was gathered.
So what is the take away for us? (Pun intended)
He called and commanded us to serve, to give ourselves over to the work of the Gospel, to love and care for people’s needs. And by God‘s will and with His help we do!
But more often than not, we feel overwhelmed by the work that stands before us. Our sense of inadequacy magnifies His glory and power.
Let’s bring to Him the little we have, and trust Him completely!