Five Loaves and Two Fish
Scripture
4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near.
5 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?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10 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). 11 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.
12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. (John 6:4-15).
Reflection
It caught my attention that Jesus tested Philip in this passage, already knowing how he was going to feed the great crowd of seekers. Philip’s answer was similar to how I probably would respond. It was impossible on two counts—they didn’t have anywhere near enough the money necessary, and even if they did, where would they find enough bread required for so many people! Andrew spoke up and offered Jesus a small boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but knew how little that would help.
Imagine what it must have been like for the disciples to hear Jesus instruct the people to sit down on the grass, give thanks for five small barley loaves and two small fish, and then begin to distribute it to those seated. No doubt Jesus’ actions gave even greater meaning to their experience of a teaching moment as they witnessed the all-you-can-eat buffet! And think of the little boy who gave Jesus what he had and received so much more in return.
What seemed like a boy’s insignificant lunch was multiplied for more than five thousand people…with twelve basket loads of bread pieces left over! When the people saw this miracle, they thought that surely Jesus was the Prophet Moses had predicted would come from their midst (Deuteronomy 18:15). They wanted to make Jesus king by force, to rule and overthrow Roman oppression, but Jesus left them. Little did they know Jesus’ body would be broken for them. At the cross, he would offer himself as a living sacrifice so that countless thousands could experience the abundance of the Bread of Life.
Maybe you relate to Philip who did not see anything significant he could offer to the Lord. Or perhaps you relate to the boy who had only five loaves and two fish to give him. Maybe you relate to Andrew who brought Jesus someone with a gift that could be used. Whatever the case may be, know that the Lord can multiply your offering to him, even if it consists of something as small as five loaves and two fish.
Prayer
Jesus, my risen and victorious King, I come to you, thanking you for providing all that I need. In moments when I feel fragmented and torn, help me to continue to offer my life as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you. I invite you to take, break, and multiply my broken pieces. Please use all that I am and all that I have for your glory. Amen
2024 Lenten Journey
Adrian Brown