Fish and Bread

Day 12

³⁵ By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. ³⁶ Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” ³⁷ But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” ³⁸ “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” ³⁹ Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. ⁴⁰ So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. ⁴¹ Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. ⁴² They all ate and were satisfied, ⁴³ and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. ⁴⁴ The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. - Mark 6:35-44

I'm sure we've all heard this story before with Jesus feeding the 5000. I found it a bit odd how in this version, in Mark, the little boy that gives the bread and fish is not mentioned. But let's look at it from their perspectives.

As a disciple, they were astonished and they didnt believe Jesus (v.37). They thought in a very logical sense, thinking everything through, analyzing the situation, they even estimated that it "would take more than half a year's wages". I think I myself have done that several times too, and as humans we all have that "be realistic" "be reasonable" mindset, but are we forgetting that we're questioning the God of the universe who is in control of all things? And Jesus proves just that, by feeding 5000 people with two fish, five loaves of bread, and even basketfuls leftover. 

As a member of the crowd, as it didn't say much in the passage, I think I wouldn't know what would be going on. Just one in 5000, I think all I would want is food and to be satisfied and full. But it would be mind-boggling if I heard and realized what happened afterwards.

As the boy, (refer to John 6:9), its ironic because im about to sound analytical, but not knowing how young the boy was, he was incredibly sacrificial and willing to give. He simply went up and not only shared but gave all he had. I dont think he gave it in a mindset to see Jesus do miracles, but only to help, not knowing what was in store for them. 

I think we ought to be more like the boy, not questioning the father, but giving him our resources to be used to bless others. We are one of the richest people on the planet, and we have so much to offer. Besides, none of it belongs to us anyways. Whether if we have an extra spot to drive someone to church, or if we have the gift of speaking to share the good news, all of it should be given back to the father. Give, and the father will bless you.

Lord, we come to you with a lot tagged on sometimes, we're over-thinking everything and we try to have everything planned out, but you are a powerful God. Let us come to you like a child, trusting in you and not doubting ourselves and our abilities for all things are done through you who gives us strength. Strip us of these analyzing mindsets so we can focus on you instead of ourselves. Amen.