John 6:1-14
The crowds were growing as people followed Jesus to hear him preach and see him work miracles. One day, as the number who came swelled to over 5000, Jesus wanted to offer them something to eat.
In the Spark Story Bible for children, the dialogue picks up between Jesus and His disciples:
Philip answered, “I could work for six months and not earn enough money to buy food for all of these men, women, and children!”
The disciples didn’t know what to do. Just then, Andrew pointed to a young child and said, “Here is a boy who has five small loaves and two fish….”
The boy looked very nervous as he said in a small voice, “Jesus, please take my food if you think it will help…”
And it did help. We all remember what happened that day — everyone ate their fill, and the disciples gathered 12 baskets full of leftovers.
The adults on the scene (Philip and Andrew) used reason and past experiences to figure out why the people couldn’t be fed. A small boy simply offered what he had, trusting Jesus to do the rest.
Prayer
God, as I am faced with the challenges (or opportunities) that stand before me today, help me to make my prayer: ‘Jesus, please use what I have if You think it will help.’ Thank You for using me to make Your world a better place. Amen.