“There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many” John 6:9
Dear Ones:
In every one of the four gospels we find the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Why would the Holy Spirit bring this to our attention again and again? It is because there are certain lessons of faith that we must grasp if we are to SEE the Lord’s hand working, and thus, see His glory. What are these “essential” things?
First, we see an ordinary situation where Christ is teaching the multitudes in a deserted place. Though we see the word of God being taught in the power and demonstration of the Spirit, we see also a very real need arising, that of hunger among the multitude.
Secondly, we discover that the Lord will use this situation to teach Philip a lesson in faith. “And this He said to prove (test) him: for He Himself KNEW what He would do.” The Lord Jesus is always previous in every circumstance, with a knowledge of all things seen and not seen. As He knows what our needs are before we ask Him, He also is intent to use circumstances to teach us to trust Him. So, the first thing we must grasp in this ordinary scene is that Christ is the God of it, and that there is a purpose in it. How are we to know that purpose, and learn the lessons of faith? “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men…” (James 1:5) We are so apt to identify our resources and means with an “impossible” situation, rather than looking to Christ, to seek His way and means in it.
Thirdly, we see a methodology in Jesus’ dealings with His disciples, and the situation before Him. He takes them where they are, with the realization of the truth about the situation…(five thousand people needing food)…and the insufficiency of the resources (five loaves and two fishes). Then, He takes the meager resources, lifts His eyes to heaven, and gives thanks. It is in that moment that He reveals to us the importance of prayer and faith, with thanksgiving. He knew the will of His Father in this circumstance, as He was in constant communion with Him. For the sake of all around, He looks to heaven, pointing their attention to the heights. And then, in an affirmation of faith, He gives thanks.
Lastly, we find Him taking the loaves and fishes, dividing them, and giving them to His disciples who in turn give to those before them. The disciples have NOTHING, but that which He gives. They must receive if they will be able to give. It is as they, in obedient faith, go forth, giving what He gives, that the miracle occurs. Just like the oil in the vase, and the flour in the barrel, of the widow in Elisha’s day, who was at the end of her resources, the Lord would do the wonderful thing in answer to faithful obedience. The point here is that faith is demonstrated by obedience, even if we do not understand or see the way forward.
Dear Father, give us grace to always relate all things to Thy Son, that we might know what is HIS WAY in them. Save us from leaning to our own understanding, but to wait upon Thee for the knowledge of the next step, believing Thee to finish the work which Thou hast determined and willed to do. Then we shall see many ministered to in such a way that they shall believe that Thou art truly the Lord, our God and theirs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad