As humans, we sometimes choose to learn something new. Perhaps we buy a book, or enrol in a class. And then, sometimes, Jesus decides to teach us during real life.

At the start of this chapter, the disciples had been out representing Jesus. Their impact spread extensively. Now there is more multiplication – this time the famous miracle of multiplication (vs 16,17). The disciples were ready for a rest, but instead, they found themselves before a vast crowd (five thousand men, plus women and children).

It is easy to focus on Jesus and try to imagine him doing the miracle. But Luke wants us to focus on the disciples and ponder what they were learning in this situation. They thought they knew best, asking Jesus to send the crowds away to get food (v 12). They did not realise it was time for a very practical lesson.

Jesus told them to feed the crowds (v 13). He made them count off the groups and have them sit down (vs 14,15). They were the ones distributing the food (and presumably having to answer questions about the source of the meal, v 16). And once it was all over, the disciples picked up 12 basketfuls of leftovers (v 17). 

‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory’.¹

The feeding of the five thousand is a familiar story – with a profound spiritual truth. Jesus is clearly concerned with the people’s physical needs as well as their spiritual needs and he does not ignore the fact that the people are growing hungry. He could send them away to find food elsewhere, but instead he tells his disciples, ‘You give them something to eat’ (v 13). Their response focuses on their lack of food. Their measly five loaves of bread and two fish are nowhere near enough to feed this crowd of five thousand men (and presumably many more, with women and children).

With Jesus, however, the little that we have is more than enough. He takes this rather measly offering and prayerfully breaks the bread and fish while looking up to heaven in thanks to God. Then he returns them to the disciples to distribute to the people. Incredibly, everyone eats and is satisfied, leaving the disciples to collect 12 basketfuls of leftover food, much more than they originally had. The disciples’ lack turns into overwhelming abundance.

I often feel God’s calling is well beyond me, but this story is about Jesus’ ability to multiply the little that we can offer. He calls us to the impossible, to accomplish far more than we ever could on our own. If we’re not living for something impossibly beyond our own ability, our vision is too small. Like the disciples, our only response is to bring what we have – the simple gifts, experiences, personality traits and faith that we have. In Jesus’ hands these things, inadequate as they may seem, are multiplied exponentially. The abundance left after this great feast speaks of his ability to do above and beyond all we could ask or imagine.

If you feel overwhelmed by God’s call on your life, decide today to bring just what you have. Watch him multiply it to feed the multitudes.

¹ Eph 3:20,21