FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISHES

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.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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