Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage begins with the sixtieth verse of the sixth chapter and continues through to the ninth verse of the seventh chapter. “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:60-65).

 

            “From that time many of his disciples went back, qnd walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answred them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Sion: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:66-71).

 

            “After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.  Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him. Then Jesus said unto them, my time is not yet come: but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee” (John 7:1-9).

 

            FROM FOLLOWING TO FORSAKING! FROM SEEKING TO ABANDONING! When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will encounter the culmination of all the events which took place in the sixth chapter of this gospel narrative. If you look back to the beginning of this chapter you will find that Jesus passed over the sea of Galilee which was also as the sea of Tiberias. Scripture is unclear where Jesus actually went during this particular time other than the fact that He and His disciples went up into a mountain—perhaps to rest and get alone together with each other and with the Father. What we find taking place, however, is a great multitude and crowd coming out from all the cities round about seeking Jesus. The apostle John writes and records how this great multitude of people came out from all the cities because they had seen the great and mighty miracles which Jesus had performed upon the sick. What we must needs recognize and understand concerning this passage is that during this time Jesus didn’t merely feed this crowd with loaves of barley bread and fish. If you turn and direct your attention back to the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew you will find that a great multitude of people came out from all the cities round about that place seeking to find Jesus. Jesus—upon seeing this great crowd and company coming toward Him—was moved with compassion toward them. As a direct result of that compassion toward them the apostle Matthew writes and records how Jesus healed all their sick among them. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture as it is written and recorded in the ninth fourteenth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew:

 

            “When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on food out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed there sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men beside women and children” (Matthew 14:13-21).

 

            This particular narrative was also written and recorded by the other gospel writers and must be presented in this particular writing as they help us to further understand this single event as it was written, viewed and recorded by four different gospel authors. It’s important that we recognize how this single event within the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ was written by four different gospel authors and two of those authors were actually present at the time this occurred. The apostles John and Matthew were actually with Jesus when this great multitude and crowd came unto Him and they were actually part of the miracle which had taken place. Pause for a moment and consider how truly incredible this is for not only were the apostles Matthew and John part of and witness to this miracle but they also took to writing and including it in their own gospel narratives which were written concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh it’s important that we recognize and understand this for it calls and draws our attention to the truth surrounding not only being an active participant in the miracle itself but also writing about it as an eyewitness and one who was actually present when the miracle took place. I cannot help but think about what it must have been like to be a part of this miracle and be an active participant for as much as it was Jesus who took the loaves of bread and the fish and blessed, broke and distributed it unto the disciples it was the disciples who would in turn take that which the Lord had blessed and broken and given unto them that they might give it unto the crowd. It was the disciples who were active participants in this particular miracle for it was the disciples who were given—and not only given but continually given—fragments of the loaves of bread and fish that they might distribute it unto the multitude. Oh it is something incredibly powerful to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and to consider how the disciples not only took from the hand of Jesus that which had been blessed and broken but they also continued taking from the hands of Jesus that which they distributed unto the crowd and the multitude.

 

            It is with this in mind I would like to call and draw your attention to this particular event and miracle within the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written by John Mark. We have already read and considered this event as it was written by the apostle Matthew and I feel it is also wise to consider the event as John Mark wrote and considered it within his gospel account and narrative concerning the life and ministry of Jesus:

 

            “And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? Go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men” (Mark 6:32-43).

 

            This particular passage that is found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by John Mark is in fact the second account of Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand and not only contains language concerning the miracle itself but also the teaching before the miracle. Both the apostle Matthew and John Mark wrote how Jesus saw this great multitude of people which had sought and come after Him and how He was moved with compassion toward them. The apostle Matthew writes concerning this particular event how the compassion of Jesus caused Him to heal all the diseased and sick which were among this great multitude. That which John Mark writes is slightly different in that it also describes how Jesus taught them many things and how they had been with Jesus and His disciples for much of the day. By the time evening came the disciples themselves urged Jesus to send the crowds away that they might buy for themselves food to eat that they might be sustained and nourished. I feel it is important for us to consider the disciples intent to send the crowds away as I feel it helps set the scene and backdrop for what we find in the sixth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John. I am absolutely convinced that what we find in the other gospel narratives concerning the disciples seeking to send the crowds and multitudes away is actually quite remarkable when you consider it in light of what the apostle John writes concerning this event—and not only the event but also that which came after it. There is not a doubt in my mind that all four accounts of this event must be carefully considered in light of each other as they call and draw our attention to the tremendous truth of what we find in the final verses of the sixth chapter of the gospel narrative of John concerning a great number of those who not only followed Jesus, but also how all of them were filled with the five loaves of barley bread and two fish. With this in mind I invite you to consider this narrative as it is written and recorded by the physician Luke:

 

            “And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him; and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets” (Luke 9:10-17).

 

            We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of that which is found within each of these narratives for within them we find an incredibly powerful picture of Jesus not only being moved with compassion upon the multitude which came unto Him but also healing their diseased among them and teaching them many things concerning the kingdom of God. What we find within the synoptic gospel accounts of this event within the life and ministry of Jesus the Christ is how when the day was far spent the disciples entreated Jesus that He send the crowds away. The disciples had undoubtedly been witness to Jesus healing many diseased among the crowd and multitude of people that came unto Him and they had undoubtedly heard the many things Jesus taught concerning the kingdom of God. For much of the day Jesus not only healed many diseased among the crowd of people here in this place but he also taught them concerning the kingdom of God. Eventually the day would draw to a close and would come to the evening hour and it was this particular time of the day where the disciples entreated Jesus to send the crowds away that they might buy for themselves victuals and bread and meat for themselves. The disciples had undoubtedly recognized that the day was far spent and that the people were themselves hungry and perhaps even tired and weary after spending the entire day with Jesus and they thought that Jesus needed to send the crowds away. What is truly astonishing about this passage of Scripture is how the disciples entreated Jesus to send the crowds away that they might fend for and take care of themselves and yet Jesus was entirely and altogether unwilling to do so. The disciples entreated Jesus to send the crowds away that they might provide and take care of themselves and yet Jesus was not only unwilling to send the crowds away but was also unwilling to make them take care of their own needs and their own hunger.

 

            CAN’T YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF? CAN’T YOU PROVIDE FOR YOURSELF? The more I think about and consider this particular narrative the more I am brought face to face with the tremendous truth that the same attitude and mindset that was present within the hearts and minds of the disciples on this day is the same mindset that is present within countless among us within our churches and houses of worship. The disciples entreated Jesus to send the crowds away that they might buy food and meat for themselves and would have had the crowd take care of itself after departing from the presence of Jesus. These disciples of Jesus would have willingly and voluntarily allowed the crowd and multitude to depart from the presence of Jesus after having spent the entire day with Him and yet Jesus emphatically declared unto them that the crowd need not go away. What’s more is that not only did Jesus declare unto the disciples that the crowd need not go away but he also commanded, instructed and perhaps even invited them to feed the crowd. Imagine being one of the twelve disciples during this particular point of time and seeing a great multitude of five thousand men not including women and children and being commanded and instructed by Jesus to feed them. Oh I can’t help but wonder what it would and could have been like for the disciples to hear Jesus command and instruct them to feed this great crowd of people knowing that they perhaps did not have anything to feed them with. What’s more is that I would dare say that Jesus and His disciples did not even have the necessary funds among themselves to go into the city and buy food for the multitude. This is actually quite interesting when you think about it for despite the fact that Jesus instructed and commanded His disciples to feed and give this multitude to eat He did not send them into the city to buy meat and food for themselves.

 

            The more I read the words found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the incredible truth that although Jesus commanded and instructed the disciples to feed the multitude He did not require them to go into the city and purchase bread and meat enough to feed them. Scripture reveals how two hundred pennyworth wouldn’t be enough to feed this multitude a little and that it would have undoubtedly required a great sum of money to feed this multitude of five thousand men not including women and children. If there is one thing I can’t help but think about when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s how not only did Jesus feed this great multitude without and apart from money and needing to enter into the city and buy bread and meat for them but He also fed them with what might have appeared to be a meek and meager offering of five loaves of bread and two fish. Please do not miss and lose sight of what is found in this narrative as it not only demonstrates the truth that Jesus was able to feed this great multitude of men and women without and apart from money but it also demonstrates that Jesus was able to feed this multitude with what might have been perceived as a meek and lowly offering of bread and fish. How absolutely incredible it is to read each of these gospel narratives and to consider how the disciples not only thought that there would be a great sum of money needed and required to feed this crowd of people but they also did not and could not understand how only five loaves of bread and two fish could feed such a great multitude of people. That which Jesus would demonstrate on this particular day is not only how He was able to feed this multitude without and apart from money but He was also able to feed this entire multitude of people without and apart from an extravagant offering. Jesus demonstrated that He was able to feed this great multitude of people with what appeared to be only a small offering of five loaves of bread and two fish. With this in mind I can’t help but be reminded of the words which are found in the Old Testament prophetic book of Isaiah and the tremendous invitation that was given by the living and eternal God through His servant and prophet Isaiah. Consider if you will the following words which are found within this particular prophetic book in the fifty-fifth chapter:

 

            “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; Come ye, buy, and eat; Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisifeth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an. Everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David” (Isaiah 55:1-3).

 

            EVERYONE THAT THIRSTS! COME TO THE WATERS! HE THAT HATH NO MONNEY! COME, BUY AND EAT! COME BUT WINE AND MILK WITHOUT MONEY AND WITHOUT PRICE! WHEREFORE DO YE SPEND MONEY FOR THAT WHICH IS NOT BREAD? LABOUR FOR THAT WHICH SATISIFETH NOT? I can’t help but read the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand on this particular day during those three and a half years of His public life and ministry for Jesus wonderfully and powerfully demonstrated that He was not only able to feed this great crowd and multitude of people without and apart from money but also without needing to buy and purchase bread and meat from one of the neighboring cities. Jesus could have sent the disciples into the city of Bethsaida that they might buy and purchase enough bread and meat to feed this great multitude and yet there is something inside me that feels if Jesus had done this the crowd would and perhaps could have only been fed a little. The disciples themselves acknowledged a certain amount of money being able to buy enough meat and bread to feed the crowd but a little. Oh if there is one thing I can’t help but think about and consider as I read this passage it’s that Jesus was able and could in fact accomplish more without and apart from money than He could with it. There is not a doubt in my mind that Jesus would and could have accomplished far more without and apart from money and without sending the disciples into the city to buy and purchase bread and water for the great multitude of people. Oh I’m sure the disciples thought that a great sum of money would be needed to buy enough bread and meat to feed this crowd and multitude but a little and yet Jesus would demonstrate before and unto them that He was able to do much without money and with what appeared to be only a small and meager offering. WITHOUT MONEY AND WITH A SMALL OFFERING!

 

            I am absolutely captivated with the truth that is found within the accounts of this event as it calls and draws our attention to the fact that this miracle not only demonstrated that Jesus was able to feed and care for a great multitude of people without and apart from money but also that Jesus was able to feed them with what appeared to be only a small offering that in all reality seemed insignificant in the eyes of the disciples. Even when Jesus asked what the disciples had and perhaps what they had found in the midst of the crowd they spoke of this young lad’s lunch of five loaves of bread and two fish and would ask what it would accomplish among so many. The disciples knew there were five loaves of bread and two fish in the midst of the crowd and yet they could not understand how that was more than enough in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. The disciples viewed this offering of five barley loaves of bread and two fish as being insignificant in light of the vast and tremendous need which was before them and yet I am convinced Jesus could have done the same and quite possibly more with much less. We know that Jesus took, blessed, broke and distributed the fragments of these five loaves of bread and two fish among the multitude of people and I would dare say that Jesus could have done significantly more with far less. I do not believe for one moment that Jesus needed all five loaves of bread and two fish and could have accomplished the same and even more even if He had less. Oh think about this for Jesus not only took and used five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a multitude of five thousand men not including women and children but there were also twelve baskets full of the fragments of this miracle when it was all said and done.

 

            This particular miracle is absolutely incredible when you take the time to think about and consider it for it calls and draws our attention to the fact that Jesus was able to feed WITHOUT and WITH ONLY A LITTLE! Stop for a moment and consider that thought when reading the accounts of this miracle for through Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand He not only demonstrated that He was able to do so without any money and without the need to spend money but He also demonstrated how He was able to feed this multitude without a significant starting point. I am sure the disciples thought nothing of this young lad’s small and simple offering of loaves and fish and yet Jesus knew and understood that it was not only enough to accomplish the work of the kingdom in the midst of the crowd but it was more than enough. It is truly something worth thinking about and considering when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for the words presented here call and draw our attention to the wonderful truth that while on the surface this small offering of five loaves of bread and two fish might have seemed insignificant in the eyes of the disciples it was more than enough for Jesus. Not only this but the apostle John wrote how Jesus already knew what He was going to do. Even when Jesus asked of Philip what would potentially need to be done to feed such a great multitude He did so to prove him for He already knew what he was going to do. Oh I absolutely love this particular truth recorded in the gospel narrative written by the apostle John for it not only demonstrates that Jesus was able to do much with only a small offering of five loaves of bread and two fish but He already knew what He was going to do. Undoubtedly Jesus was aware of the great need that was before them on this particular day and He had already purposed within His heart that He was going to use this young lad’s lunch and meager offering of five loaves of bread and two fish to feed this great multitude.

 

            With all of this being said I can’t help but think about the fact that while this young lad might not have been aware of the fact that when he departed from his house on this particular day he would do so with an offering that would be used in the divine hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. I do not believe for one moment that when this young lad left with this lunch of five barley loaves and two fish he could have even thought or imagined that it would be offered unto the Lord Jesus Christ and would have been used to feed five thousand men not including women and children. Despite this particular fact and truth I would dare say that this young lad’s lunch which he brought with him—and not only the lunch which he brought with him but also his being part of the crowd itself—was divinely orchestrated, ordained and appointed by the eternal Father in heaven. I can’t help but think about and consider the fact that this young lad’s presence in the midst of the multitude and crowd was divinely orchestrated and ordained by the eternal Father for the purposes of a great miracle Jesus would perform in the midst of a great multitude of people. I am absolutely convinced that this young lad’s presence and the lunch he brought with him were both divinely ordained and orchestrated by the eternal and living Father and that neither his lunch nor his presence in the midst of the crowd were a coincidence.

 

            Pause for a moment and think about this for it calls and draws our attention to something quite remarkable and astonishing when you consider it. We would like to think that there was absolutely no coincidence to this young lad being present in the midst of the crowd on this particular day and that there was no coincidence in this young lad’s lunch being present in the midst of the crowd and yet the truth of the matter is that when this young lad left his house on this particular day he had absolutely no idea that he would be divinely used by the Father in the presence of the eternal and only begotten Son to accomplish something so much greater than Himself. I am convinced we must needs recognize and understand this for we dare not underestimate and overlook each and every day that is before us for each and every day we enter into and experience is in fact a divine opportunity to be used by and in the hands of the living and eternal God. Not only this but we must recognize and understand that not only can our presence be used in the hands of the living God but so also can that which we have with us and in our possession be used in the hands of the living God. THE OFFERING AND THE PRESENCE! Oh the more I read and consider this passage of Scripture the more I am captivated with the fact that this young lad was used on this particular day in the presence of Jesus both in terms of his presence in the midst of the crowd as well as in terms of the offering he would deliver into the hands of the disciples. There is not a doubt in my mind that there are two truths contained within this passage we must needs understand for we dare not underestimate how incredibly important our presence and our offering can indeed be in the hands and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

            Within this passage we encounter and come face to face with the fact that this young lad’s presence in the midst of the crowd would properly position him to present his offering unto the Lord Jesus Christ not even fully recognizing or understanding what would and could be accomplished with it. Scripture is entirely unclear what this young lad thought when he delivered his lunch into the hands of the disciples who would in turn place it in the hands of Jesus and yet that offering would be used by the Lord Jesus to feed more than five thousand people if you include women and children. Oh I can’t help but wonder what it would and could have been like for this young lad to return home—perhaps with twelve baskets full of the leftover fragments—and explained what had taken place on this particular day. Imagine this young lad returning unto his home and declaring unto his family, his friends and his loved ones that the lunch he had been sent with was given into the hands of Jesus and how He had used it to feed five thousand people. I am sure that if this young lad whose name we are not given shared the knowledge of the events which took place on this particular day those who knew him might not believe it when he told them. I can’t help but wonder if it was not possible that the twelve baskets filled with the fragments of the loaves of bread and fish would have served to be an incredible witness and testimony to the miracle that had taken place on this particular day. THE WITNESS OF THE BASKETS! THE TESTIMONY OF THE BASKETS! How absolutely tremendous this truly is when you think about it for it draws and calls our attention to the awesome and powerful truth that this young lad might very well have come home with these twelve baskets of the fragments or perhaps maybe a single basket of the fragments which were gathered after the miracle had been completed. Imagine what his family, friends and loved ones might have thought when they knew he had left with five loaves of bread and two fish and yet returned with quite possibly at least one basket filled with the fragments—if not all twelve baskets.

 

            As I sit here thinking about and considering the words which are found in this portion of Scripture I can’t help but be captivated with the fact that this young lad’s presence in the midst of the crowd was no accident nor was it any coincidence. I do not believe for one moment that this young lad was present in the midst of this crowd by chance and just so happened to be in the midst of it on this particular day. What’s more is I don’t believe for one moment that this young lad’s lunch of five barley loaves and two fish was an accident and coincidence for I am believe it was divinely orchestrated by the living God. Even though and even if he might not have been aware of what his presence in the midst of the crowd would and could have accomplished he would be used of the Father on that particular day. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT ANY INDIVIDUAL DAY HOLDS! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT ANY GIVEN DAY CAN PRESENT TO YOU! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT GOD HAS ORDAINED AND APPOINTED FOR YOUR DAY WHEN YOU WAKE AND RISE FROM YOUR BED! Oh I am absolutely convinced that this young lad left his house on this particular day and had absolutely no clue that his company and presence in the midst of a great multitude and crowd of people would and could have been used in such a mighty and powerful way. What’s more is I would dare say that this young lad’s presence in the crowd might very well have been entirely and altogether necessary according to the divine will of the Father to fulfill and accomplish that which He desired to do. Although this young lad might not have thought or even imagined that his presence in the midst of this crowd was absolutely critical and vital he would eventually learn that not only was his presence absolutely necessary on this particular day but so also was his lunch of five loaves of bread and two fish.

 

            With this being said I feel it is absolutely necessary for us to acknowledge and understand that we might not be aware of just how necessary our presence is in certain situations. I am sure this young lad might very well have thought that he was a part of this great crowd and multitude as a spectator and witness as he would hear and listen to the words which Jesus would teach and speak and yet his presence would serve a purpose far greater than he could have even imagined or thought of within himself. I do not believe for one moment that this young lad thought even for a moment that his presence in the midst of the crowd had any significance and/or even that his lunch would and could have had any significance and yet the truth of the matter is that both his presence and his lunch had more significance than he could ever think or imagine. Oh we must needs recognize and understand this for it calls and draws our attention concerning our own lives and how there are times when we underestimate and perhaps even undervalue our presence in the midst of certain situations and in the midst of certain groups of people. There are times within our lives when we think all too lightly and all too limited concerning our presence in the midst of certain situations and yet the truth of the matter is that such is not the case in the eyes and hands of the eternal Father. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that there are times within our lives when our presence is absolutely critical and necessary for the eternal and living Father to accomplish his divine will and purpose within the earth. There are times within our lives when our presence is absolutely necessary and critical for the eternal Father, Son and Spirit to accomplish that which they desire to do and what we have might very well be the instrument and vessel to accomplish the divine will of the Father.

 

            There is something truly powerful when reading each of these accounts concerning Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand for each demonstrate the incredible significance of the presence and offering of this young lad. Although we will never know or learn the name of this young lad we know that his presence and offering was absolutely critical to the divine work of the Father on this particular day. This young lad would set out on this particular day not knowing what his life and what his offering would accomplish nor would he understand the divine opportunity that would be placed before him. Imagine being this young lad and having absolutely no idea or clue the divine opportunity that would be before him on this particular day. This young lad left his house on this particular day and perhaps had absolutely no idea or clue that he would be presented with an opportunity to give his lunch as an offering unto the Lord Jesus Christ that he might work a miracle which would astound and captivated the multitude before Him. Oh with this being said I would dare say that we must never underestimate those moments within our lives when we are given an opportunity to offer what we have and offer what we have been given into the hands of the Master that He might accomplish and fulfill that which He desired. I am sure this young lad had absolutely no clue he was going to be presented with a divine opportunity to offer his lunch in the presence of Jesus in the midst of such a great need and yet he would step and enter into a moment that was so much bigger than himself. Not only was this young lad only one individual in the midst of a great crowd but the moment which was before him was so much greater than he would and could even think or imagine. OH how absolutely wonderful and remarkable it is to think about and consider this for this young lad would be invited—not only to step into a moment that was far greater than him but also to present his lunch as an offering unto Jesus in His presence that he might accomplish the divine will and purpose of the Father.

 

            The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand is completely and utterly incredible when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the fact that this young lad would enter into this crowd not realizing and recognizing the tremendous opportunity that would be afforded to him. Oh it was indeed true the disciples would be active participants in the miracle of feeding the five thousand as they would be the ones who would distribute that which was blessed and broken in the hands of Jesus, however, I would dare say that this young lad was also an activate participant in this miracle. What’s more is that I would dare say this young lad was more than simply an active participant in this miracle but he was also the catalyst and instrument that would be used to set the miracle in motion. It would be the disciples who would distribute that which was blessed and broken and who would gather up the fragments of the leftover bread and fish, however, it would be this young lad who would offer these vessels into the hands of the Lord Jesus. The disciples would be used in the hands of the living and eternal God to distribute that which was blessed and broken and yet what was blessed and broken could not and perhaps even would not have been distributed were it not for the initial offering of the loaves of bread and fish. Pause for a moment and think about what would and could have happened if this young lad had chosen to withhold his lunch on this particular day. Stop and think about what would and could have happened on this particular day if this young lad had chosen to hold back that which he had in his possession and kept it for himself.

 

            Oh the more I think about the words which are found in this portion of Scripture the more I can’t help but consider what could have happened on this particular day if this young lad had chosen to withhold his lunch from the hands of Jesus on this particular day. Stop for a moment and think about what would and could have happened on this particular day had this young lad chosen to keep for himself his lunch despite the great opportunity and need that was before him. I am sure this young lad perhaps did not fully understand the significance of his lunch and offering when giving it into the hands of Jesus and I am sure he had absolutely no clue that his presence and offering would play such a pivotal and crucial role in one of the greatest miracles performed within the life and ministry of Jesus. With this being said I have to ask myself what would and could have happened had this young lad not chosen and been willing to give His offering and His lunch unto Jesus on this particular occasion. IF NOT YOU THEN SOMEONE ELSE! Oh there is not a doubt in my mind that if this young lad had not been willing to offer his lunch into the hands of the Master this opportunity might very well have been given to someone else. We know that this young lad is written of as offering his lunch as a gift and offering in the presence of Jesus and His disciples in the midst of the great need which was before them and yet I can’t help but wonder if there were others present in the crowd who might very well have brought lunch or some type of meal and food with them. Is it possible that this young lad was the only one in the multitude who had an offering present with him and was invited to step into that moment and opportunity which was before him? Is it possible that the sole reason this young lad had those five loaves of barley bread and two fish in the first place was to present it as an offering unto Jesus? Even if this young lad left his house without the intention and desire of offering his lunch into the hands of Jesus he would do so once he entered into the moment.

 

            SOMETIMES WE DON’T RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT WE HAVE UNTIL WE ENTER INTO THAT MOMENT BIGGER THAN OURSELVES! SOMETIMES WE AREN’T AWARE OF THOSE DIVINE MOMENTS WE WILL EXPERIENCE WITHIN OUR LIVES UNTIL WE ACTUALLY ENTER INTO THEM! I am absolutely convinced this young lad left his house with these five loaves of bread and two fish and did not even realize what he had in his possession and what he would be carrying with him. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for more often than not there are times within our lives when we don’t realize and understand what we have within our possession until the divine opportunity and that moment presents itself to us. I am convinced there are moments within our lives when we have something within us or have something with us and yet we don’t and won’t realize it until we are actually presented with those moments and divine opportunities. If there is one thing we must needs realize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that this young lad would carry something with him and would not recognize and understand what he would have in his possession until he entered and stepped into that moment. Oh I can’t help but wonder if in that moment this young lad realized the significance and importance of what he had with him or if he was simply trying to do his part to help feed the multitude. I can’t help but wonder if this young lad truly understand in that moment why he had brought those five loaves of bread and those two fish and offered them unto Jesus based on that understanding.

 

            RECOGNZING THOSE DIVINE MOMENTS! STEPPING INTO THOSE DIVINE MOMENTS! STEPPING UP TO THOSE DIVINE MOMENTS! STEPPING INTO AND STEPPING UP TO THOSE DIVINE MOMENTS WITHIN OUR LIVES! There is something truly powerful about this passage of Scripture and how this young lad would be invited to step into and step up to something that was so much bigger than himself and he would not hesitate to enter into it. This young lad would indeed and would in fact fully embrace this moment before him and would willingly and voluntarily give that which he had brought with him into the hands of Jesus that He might accomplish what was in the heart and mind of the Father. Oh there is not a doubt in my mind that this young lad carried and brought these five barley loaves and two fish with him perhaps not even fully recognizing that which they would be used for. I do not believe this young lad realized and understood the importance of what his lunch would and could accomplish beyond himself. I am sure this young lad thought this lunch would and could feed himself and maybe one or two other people a little and yet when placed into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ it would be blessed, broken and distributed and would feed a multitude of people. This young lad might very well have thought this lunch was enough for him and yet when placed into the hands of Jesus it would prove to be enough to feed five thousand men not including women and children. Not only this but these five loaves of bread and two fish would even produce twelve baskets filled with the fragments of leftovers after the whole crowd and multitude was fed and full from that which was offered unto the Lord Jesus Christ. How truly awesome and wonderful it is to think about and consider this as it calls and draws our attention to how what we have in our possession might seem like it’s only enough for ourselves and maybe one or two other people and yet when placed into the hands of the Master it can be used to accomplish so much more and minister to so many more than we could even think or imagine.

 

            This miracle of the feeding of the five thousand is one that is absolutely incredible for it brings us face to face with the knowledge and understanding that more often than not we don’t and perhaps even won’t recognize what we have been given and what we have in our possession until we actually step into those divine moments ordained and appointed by the living God. There is not a doubt in my mind this young lad had absolutely no clue what he had in his possession when he left his house and even when he was sitting down and listening to the Lord Jesus teach concerning the kingdom. I am sure this young lad had witnessed Jesus heal all the diseased which were present in the midst of the crowd and heard Jesus teach concerning the kingdom of God and throughout that entire time he would have absolutely no clue how significant his lunch of five barley loaves and two fish would actually be. This young lad would leave his house on this particular day not realizing what he would have in his possession and he would go through the entire day not realizing and understand what he truly had in his possession and would not understand until that moment presented itself. It wouldn’t be until the disciples entreated Jesus to send the crowd away that the events would begin to be put into motion that would present this divine moment and opportunity for this young lad. What an incredible thought it is to think about how this young lad would depart from his house on this particular day not being aware of what he had in his possession and would even go through much of this day not realizing and understand what he had in his possession and perhaps even would not know until the moment presented itself when talk of feeding the multitude surfaced.

 

            Perhaps one of the greatest questions we must needs ask ourselves when we read each of these passages is whether or not we are and would be willing to give of what we had if and/or when such a moment presented itself before us within our lives. Would we as the saints of God truly be willing to give of ourselves and give of what we have when those divine moments and opportunities present themselves to us? There is a part of me that feels as though this young lad’s presence in the midst of the crowd was to be used as the catalyst, as the instrument and as the vessel with which Jesus would feed the multitude and crowd. With this being said I can’t help but wonder what would and could have happened on this particular occasion if this young lad wasn’t willing to give of his lunch to feed the multitude which was before him. I can’t help but wonder what would and could have happened on this particular day if this young lad was not willing to give of his lunch when the moment arrived and presented itself. In the Old Testament book of Esther we find Mordecai Esther’s uncle declaring and speaking unto her of her ascension to being queen of Persia being ordained and appointed for such a time as this that she might step up and step into the role of being an advocate for the Jewish people whose lives and existence was threatened by Haman and his murderous plot to destroy them. I am convinced that this same principle of “for such a time as this” directly applies to this young lad as not only was his presence in the midst of the crowd but also his lunch was ordained and appointed “for such a time as this.” I am absolutely and completely convinced this young lad was given an opportunity to step into a “for such a time as this” moment as he would be invited to be the instrument, the catalyst and vessel by and through which Jesus would feed five thousand men not including women and children.

 

            I write all of this and there is a part of me that can’t help but think about and consider the fact that if this young lad had not been willing and was not willing to give of his lunch and step into that moment it might very well have been presented and offered to someone else. IF NOT YOU THEN WHO? IF NOT NOW THEN WHEN? It is something truly astonishing when reading and considering this passage of Scripture for what we find within it is a powerful picture of this young lad being invited to step into a moment so much bigger than himself not realizing that his presence in the crowd and the lunch he had within his possession was divinely orchestrated and appointed by the eternal Father. With this being said I find a tremendous warning and admonishment given unto us within our own hearts and lives as we are oftentimes met with such divine moments and opportunities and are faced with a decision of how we will respond and react when they do in fact present themselves to us. The question we must needs ask ourselves is what we will do when those moments arrive and present themselves to us and if we would be willing to give of what we have that others might receive the ministry of Jesus. If there is one thing that is so incredibly important and powerful about this passage of Scripture it’s that this young lad gave of his lunch as an offering unto Jesus that the ministry of the Son of God might be manifested in the lives of at least five thousand men not including women and children. What a tremendous truth it is to think about and consider this particular reality for it calls and draws our attention to the fact that this young lad was given an opportunity to give of his lunch as an offering unto Jesus that at least five thousand might receive the ministry of Christ. THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST THROUGH YOUR OFFERING!

 

            Pause for a moment and consider that statement—“The ministry of Christ through your offering”—for it presents us with something truly unique and powerful when we think about it. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading this passage of Scripture it’s that more than five thousand people would receive the ministry of Christ through and as a direct result of the offering of this young lad. It is truly something worth thinking about when reading these words for they call and draw our attention to the fact that this young lad would be an instrument and vessel through which more than five thousand would receive the ministry of Christ. When it came to healing the diseased which were present in the midst of the crowd it would be Jesus alone who would offer that unto this multitude and crowd and when it came to the teaching surrounding the kingdom of heaven it would be Jesus Himself who would teach concerning the kingdom. When, however, it came to a different type of ministry—the ministry of feeding these five thousand individuals—this young lad would be used as the catalyst, the instrument and vessel that this ministry might be manifested at this time. Please don’t miss and lose sight of this incredible truth as it brings us face to face with the wonderful and powerful reality that this particular aspect and element of the ministry of Christ would be made possible through and by the offering and presence of this young lad. Oh how absolutely astonishing it is to think about that through the presence and offering of one the ministry of Christ might be extended to five thousand men not including women and children. Oh dear brother, oh dear sister do you truly recognize and understand how much of a crucial role you can indeed play in the ministry of Christ in the lives of others? Do you truly recognize and understand what type of role your presence and offering can in fact play in the extension of the ministry of Christ in the lives of others in those moments of divine opportunity?

 

            As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I feel it is absolutely necessary to draw your attention to the final verses of the sixth chapter for what would begin with a great crowd of people seeking out and following Jesus would ultimately transition to a great many of them turning back and walking no more with Jesus. In the opening verses of this passage we find Jesus feeding this multitude of people using five loaves of bread and two fish and we even find there being twelve baskets full of the fragments of that miracle which were gathered together. THE FRAGMENTS OF MIRACLES! Immediately after this Jesus perceived that they would make Him king and so He withdrew and retreated unto a mountain to pray before He would come unto the disciples in the midst of the storm. Much of the sixth chapter would be Jesus speaking unto the crowd and multitude concerning the bread of life and the bread which came down from heaven—namely Himself as He would be the living bread which would come down from heaven. What’s more is that Jesus would declare unto the crowd and multitude that unless they drank his blood and ate of His flesh they would have no part in Him for His blood was drink indeed and His flesh was meat indeed. Of course we know that Jesus wasn’t literally inviting the Jews to drink His blood and eat His flesh but rather in His coming in the form of flesh and blood He was inviting them to partake of Himself and partake of His life. What’s more is that just as there would have been those who weren’t present at the time of the miracle who would have been able to partake of the miracle from the baskets which were filled with the fragments so also would men and women who weren’t present at the miracle and offering of Calvary be able to participate in what took place through communion and the celebration of the Passover meal.

 

I firmly believe there is a strong and intrinsic link and connection to the breaking of the bread and the fragments of the bread which were left over and Jesus’ declaration of the bread which came down from heaven. I am convinced there is a strong connection to the breaking of the bread in the presence of those five thousand men not including women and children and the words Jesus spoke concerning the living bread which came down from heaven. I believe there is a truly wonderful and powerful connection that exists between that which was blessed and broken, that which was gathered, and that which came down from heaven for Jesus would not only be the living bread which would come down from heaven but the bread of His flesh would be blessed and broken. The manifestation of the breaking of the bread of his flesh would indeed provide life and sustenance to those within that generation and those during the days of the early church, however, we must needs recognize and understand that the blessing and breaking of the bread of His flesh would indeed provide life and nourishment to millions if not billions and trillions of men and women throughout the decades and centuries since. Perhaps the best question we must needs ask ourselves is whether we are going to be like Simon Peter and the disciples who will choose to remain and abide with Jesus despite many turning back and walking no more with Jesus. There were many who were offended with the words which Jesus spoke and would from that moment turn back and walk no more with Him. When Jesus watched as many would turn back and walk no more with Him he asked the disciples if they were offended and would themselves decide to turn back and walk no more with Him. Simon Peter would emphatically speak up and essentially declare they had nowhere else to go for He alone had the words of eternal life. Not only this but Simon Peter would also declare unto the Lord Jesus that he was convinced that He was the Christ and the Son of the living God. The question we must needs ask ourselves is whether or not we are wiling to be those who will abide and remain with Jesus when others turn back and walk no more with Him—especially those who are offended with the words of Jesus and that which He demands and asks of Him. Are we those who are convinced and believe that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the living God and are willing to follow Him all the days of our lives?