We often underestimate what God can do with what little we have to offer.
Key Verse:
“Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.” —John 6:11 (NASB)
Background Context:
The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle—aside from the resurrection—that is recorded in all four gospels. This moment is not just about physical provision but is rich with spiritual significance. Yeshua had crossed the Sea of Galilee and was followed by a crowd drawn by His miracles. It was near Passover, a time when many were thinking about deliverance and provision, harkening back to Israel’s exodus from Egypt. With a massive crowd and no obvious supply of food, Jesus tests His disciples’ faith, particularly Philip’s. Despite their uncertainty, a small boy’s humble offering becomes the instrument through which Yeshua miraculously feeds the multitude.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Five Thousand Fed
1After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. 3Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. 4Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. 5Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” 6This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. 7Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.” 8One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” 10Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. 12When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” 13So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Reflection on John 6:1–14:
This miracle challenges both our expectations and our faith. The disciples saw the crowd and immediately focused on what they lacked. Philip calculated cost. Andrew noted the small supply. Neither anticipated divine provision. But Yeshua, knowing what He would do, used their doubt as a teaching moment.
How often do we face overwhelming needs—our own or those of others—and feel we have nothing meaningful to offer? We compare our limited resources to the magnitude of the need and assume it’s not enough. But in the hands of Yeshua, even a small offering becomes more than sufficient. He gave thanks—not for abundance, but for what was available—and it became a feast.
Also noteworthy is Yeshua’s instruction to gather the leftovers. He wastes nothing. Not only did He provide in abundance, but He honored the process, underscoring that God’s provision is not to be squandered.
This passage ends with the people recognizing something powerful: “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Their minds turned to Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 18:15 about a prophet like him whom God would raise up. Their hunger had been filled, and their hearts were stirred, even if many would later miss the deeper spiritual message behind the miracle.
Application:
Do not discount the small things you can offer to God. Your time, gifts, and obedience—though they may feel insignificant—can be multiplied for great impact in the kingdom. When you see needs around you, don’t let doubt keep you from stepping forward in faith. Bring what you have to Yeshua, and trust Him to use it. And when He provides, receive with gratitude and steward it well.
Closing Prayer:
Father, we thank You for being our faithful provider. Teach us not to underestimate Your power or to withhold what little we have out of fear. Help us to walk in faith, trusting that You can use our humble offerings to meet the needs around us. May we be generous, grateful, and obedient, just as Yeshua gave thanks and multiplied the loaves. In His name we pray, amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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