One of the great stories in the New Testament is the Feeding of the Five Thousand. This is so great of a miracle that it is the only one recorded in all four gospels. John records this miracle in John 6:1-14. I love this story and I wanted to look at this story concentrating on the young boy and what lessons we can learn from him.
1. Be available with what you have.
This miracle that took place feeding the five thousand is actually about feeding more. There was about five thousand men which some scholars estimate that the crowd could easily been around twenty thousand when you factor in women and children. This boy, this lad was available with what he had and because of him a need was met. Be available!
2. Don’t let others put limitations on what you have to offer.
Andrew makes a comment in regards to what the boy had to offer, “…but what are they among so many?” Other will look at what you have in regards to the great need and try to limit the gift or your contribution. If you are available with what you have and don’t allow others to limit what you have to offer, then stand back and let Jesus do the rest. Miracles begin where we end. It doesn’t matter what others think of your contribution or gift if you give what Jesus is asking for. Jesus not only feed five thousand men but verse 11 says that they ate as much as they wanted and still had 12 basket fulls of leftovers. No limits!
3. Be ready to give what you have.
The boy was not only available but was ready to give what he had. You need to be ready to give what you have. You never know when a miracle is about to happen but what I do know that what you have in the hands of Jesus will produce a miracle. Be ready!
4. Don’t underestimate the size of your contribution.
Remember, it is not about the size of your contribution but what your contribution is. Are you willing to contribute what Jesus is asking for. The disciples first response to Jesus was that there was not enough money to buy what was needed and He feed all of those people with a meager contribution of five barley loaves and two fish. Don’t underestimate the size of your contribution!
5. Don’t underestimate the power of your contribution.
Your contribution in the hands of Jesus is power. Give what you have and see God do great things with it. You can achieve the impossible if you can believe for it!
