Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke them. He gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied, and what was left over was picked up—twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Luke 9:16-17 NET
A large crowd had gathered around Jesus, and he had spent the day teaching and healing them. Then, as evening approached, he instructed his disciples to feed the crowd of 5,000 men. The disciples were incredulous. They had little food to share and little money to buy more food.
But Jesus told his disciples to have the crowd sit down in groups of about 50. Then Jesus gave thanks, broke the bread and fish, and gave it to his disciples to pass out to the crowd. And the crowd was filled.
Multiplying the Loaves and Fish
Before Jesus broke the bread and fish, there was not enough to go around. And afterward, when he gave the pieces to the disciples to pass around, there would not have been enough to go around. And as each group got their portion, there would still not have been enough to feed them all. Yet, somehow, everyone ate and was satisfied. And afterward, the disciples collected twelve baskets of leftovers.
This story reminds me of Elijah and the widow who was able to feed the two of them, plus her son, for an extended period–with only a little flour and oil. But the flour and oil did not run out while needed (1 Kings 17:7-16). Even though, as each day began, there was only enough for that day. God was able to supply their needs. Not all at once. But day by day.
These two accounts illustrate an important principle. When God calls on us to do something, we may not see how we could possibly accomplish the task. We may not have the resources or the ability we think we need. But, if we step out in obedience, trusting God each step of the way, he will supply what we need. As we need it. So, take those few crumbs that Jesus has given you and start passing them out. And see what he can do with them.
