February 5
Bible Reading: John 6:1-15
John 6:8-11, “One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.”
This past year some friends and I worked to establish a senior meal program here in Heppner. We formed a non-profit corporation and received some grants. After establishing a board of directors, we hired a cook and assistant. We recruited volunteers to help (from nine different churches who serve on a rotating basis). Each week, our cook shops for the food supplies, prepares, and, together with her assistant, cooks the meal. Since July 2023, we’ve been feeding on average about seventy older adults. It’s been an exciting project to be a part of, but it takes a lot of money, time, and effort to feed that many people. Miraculously, with but five loaves and two fishes, Jesus fed a multitude 7 and ½ times the size of our community (some estimate the size of the crowd to be 15,000, if you include the women and children).
A great multitude followed Jesus and gathered to Him in a desolate place. “He felt compassion for them and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14). It got late. The people were getting hungry. Things were different for the people of Jesus’ day. There were no supermarkets from which they could go to purchase items and no fast-food restaurants to drive thru. The disciples were perplexed about how to provide food for the people (John 6:5-7).
Jesus took five loaves and two fishes from a lad and fed the five thousand. He miraculously multiplied the loaves and the fishes such that every person was “satisfied” (Matthew 14:20). There were even some left over. How did He do that? Remember that Jesus is the creator of all things (John 1:3). He easily turned water into wine and just as easily turned five loaves and two fishes into enough food to feed that great multitude. The miracle declared Jesus to be the Divine Son of God (John 20:30-31), but the people did not understand that truth about Jesus (John 6:14).
As we see later in the “Bread of Life” discourse, Jesus revealed Himself to be the bread of life who can do far more than just fill our bellies. He came to satisfy the deepest longings of our soul. Are you hungry for a soul-satisfying relationship with God? Jesus came to fill that need! He who turned five loaves and two fishes into a feast for thousands, can provide for you a “food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27)! That’s the purpose for which He came.
We always have enough when God is our supply!
BREAK THOU THE BREAD OF LIFE
Break now the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
as once you broke the loaves beside the sea.
Beyond the sacred page I seek you, Lord;
my spirit waits for you, O living Word.
Bless your own word of truth, dear Lord, to me,
as when you blessed the bread by Galilee.
Then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall;
and I shall find my peace, my All in all!
You are the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
Your holy word the truth that rescues me.
Give me to eat and live with you above;
Teach me to love your truth, for you are love.
O send your Spirit now, dear Lord, to me,
that he may touch my eyes and make me see.
Show me the truth made plain within your Word,
for in your book revealed I see you, Lord.
LookingtoJesus 