Devotion

The Loaves and the Fish

In John 6:1-12 we read: 

Some time after this, Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee , and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.Philip answered him, "It would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Here, we witness the incredible miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand with only five barley loaves and two fish. At first glance, it seems like an impossible task—feeding so many with so little. However, this story is not just about a physical miracle; it teaches us deep spiritual truths about God’s provision, the power of gratitude, and our role in participating in God’s work.

God’s Provision can be Beyond Our Understanding: When Jesus asked Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" he already knew what he was going to do. Jesus wasn’t asking for information—He was testing the faith of His disciples. Philip responded by focusing on the problem, seeing only the limitation of resources. "It would take more than half a year's wages," he said, implying that it was impossible. But in God’s economy, our limitations do not restrict His provision. What may seem impossible to us is an opportunity for God to display His power.

Our Little is Enough in His Hands: Andrew brings forth a young boy with five loaves of bread and two fish, something small and seemingly insignificant. But Jesus, with a heart full of faith and gratitude, takes these meager offerings, gives thanks, and multiplies them. This is a powerful reminder: when we offer what we have, no matter how small, into the hands of Jesus, it can be used in ways we cannot imagine. Our abilities, our time, our resources—they may seem insufficient, but in Jesus’ hands, they become more than enough. The miracle happens when we are willing to trust Him with what we have.

Gratitude Precedes the Miracle: Notice that before the miracle of multiplication, Jesus first gave thanks. Gratitude is key in the Christian life, not just as a form of acknowledgment but as an expression of faith. Jesus’ thankfulness for the little bit that they had positioned Him to bless it and make it more than enough. In the same way, we are called to give thanks to God for what we have, trusting that He will take it and use it for His purposes.

As we reflect on this passage, it is helpful for us to consider if there areas in our lives where we see only limitations? Are we holding back, thinking that what we have is too small to make a difference? Like the disciples, we may often focus on what is lacking rather than seeing the potential in God’s hands. But just as Jesus used the small boy’s lunch to feed thousands, He can take whatever we offer—no matter how insignificant it seems—and turn it into something miraculous. Let us continue to pray that we develop our hearts of gratitude, thanking God for what we have, no matter how little, and trusting that He will multiply it for His kingdom.

Lord, thank You for Your abundant provision and for showing us that with You, all things are possible. Help us to offer what we have, no matter how small, into Your hands, trusting that You can use it for Your glory. Teach us to be grateful for what we have and to rely on Your power rather than our own resources. We place our trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings!

Will Wallace

Principal