My dear friends in Christ, I’m so glad you’re here with us today as we continue our series on the Miracles of Jesus. In the past few weeks, we’ve learned so much about the wondrous works of our Lord, and I’m excited to dive into another of my personal favorites – the Feeding of the Five Thousand.
This miracle is recorded in all four Gospels, which tells us just how significant and impactful it was. Why did the writers of Scripture place such importance on this particular event? What can we learn from it to apply to our own lives and ministries today? Let’s explore together.
The Impossible Made Possible
In Matthew 14:13-21, we read the account of Jesus feeding a massive crowd with just five loaves of bread and two small fish. To put this miracle into perspective, the passage notes that there were about 5,000 men present, not counting the women and children. Conservative estimates suggest there were likely between 20,000 to 25,000 people total!
Can you imagine the sheer scale of this gathering? Jesus and His disciples were facing an impossible task – how could they possibly provide food for such a vast multitude with so little?
Yet, when the disciples expressed their concern, Jesus simply told them, “You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16) In other words, He was inviting them to partner with Him in this miracle.
“This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.” (John 6:6)
Jesus was not truly asking the disciples for a solution they could implement. Rather, He was giving them an opportunity to exercise their faith and see God’s power on display.
Align Yourself with God’s Plan
Too often, we approach our challenges and obstacles based on our own limited resources and abilities. We think, “How can I fix this situation?” instead of, “How can God work through me to make the impossible possible?”
The key is to align ourselves with God’s plan and be willing participants in His miracles. When we surrender our perceived limitations and make ourselves available to Him, that’s when we’ll witness the extraordinary happen.
Just like the disciples, we may feel woefully unprepared or inadequate for the task at hand. But remember, “God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) It’s in our moment of greatest need that He shows up in the most powerful ways.
Perceive God’s Invitation
Another vital lesson from the Feeding of the Five Thousand is that we must perceive God’s invitation to get involved. So often, we pray for miracles and breakthroughs, but then we sit back and wait for God to do it all.
However, the Scriptures show us that God frequently involves His people in the miracles He performs. In Ezekiel 22:30, the Lord says, “I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, but I found no one.”
God was looking for someone to step up and intercede, to partner with Him in bringing restoration and transformation. He’s still seeking those who will answer His call today.
When the disciples brought the meager provisions of a young boy to Jesus, He used that small offering to feed the entire multitude. God invites us to bring Him what we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem, so He can do the miraculous.
The Cost of Discipleship
Yet, this kind of wholehearted commitment doesn’t come without a cost. In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus challenges those who claim they want to follow Him, saying:
“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Luke 9:58)
He’s making it clear that being a true disciple requires sacrifice, putting the Kingdom of God above our own comfort and personal interests. It’s not enough to simply attend church or pray for blessings – we must be willing to get involved, to step out in faith, and to make the Kingdom our highest priority.
My friends, God is looking for those who will stand in the gap, who will bring Him what they have so He can do the impossible. Will you be one of them?
Keep the Miracle Flowing
After Jesus miraculously multiplied the few loaves and fish to feed the entire crowd, the disciples were tasked with gathering up the leftover fragments. This shows us that even when God performs a great miracle, He still expects us to do our part.
The miracle didn’t stop with the initial act of provision. The disciples had to get involved, to collect and distribute the food. In the same way, God’s miracles in our lives don’t end with the initial breakthrough – He wants us to continue walking in faith, keeping the miracle flowing.
Perhaps you’re facing an impossible situation in your life right now – a health crisis, a financial struggle, a broken relationship. Know that God has a miracle waiting for you, but He may be inviting you to partner with Him in bringing it to pass.
A Challenge for You
I want to leave you with a challenge today. Take some time to prayerfully reflect on the areas of your life where you need God to intervene. Ask Him to reveal how He wants you to get involved, to bring Him what you have so He can do the extraordinary.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
As you align your priorities with God’s Kingdom, trust that He will provide for your every need. Be bold, be faithful, and be ready to step out in obedience. The miracle you’ve been praying for may be just around the corner.
My dear brothers and sisters, let’s commit to keeping God’s miracles flowing in our lives and in our church. When we make ourselves available to Him, there’s no limit to what He can accomplish through us. May the God of miracles fill you with His power and His peace today and always.