“They picked up twelve baskets of leftover pieces” (Luke 9:17).

The disciples had a big problem.

How do you feed 5000 hungry men? That would require an army of food trucks and a bigger army of cooks and servers. To make matters worse, the disciples had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. That wouldn’t feed 5 people, much less 5000.

So Jesus worked a miracle.

First, the disciples organized the crowd. This made it easier to serve the people. It meant that in Jesus’ mind, the miracle had already been done. After giving thanks, he broke the bread. This is where the miracle took place—in his hands. As the disciples watched him break the bread, it miraculously multiplied until all were fed. The disciples served as waiters. This ensured their faith would grow as they participated in the miracle Jesus was performing.

The disciples also had a few small fish. Jesus blessed the fish, multiplied them, and had the disciples serve the people.

No one went away hungry.
Everyone had all they wanted.
There were plenty of leftovers.

This was not an airline meal, and it wasn’t a snack or a box lunch. Omnipotence has an unending supply. When Jesus serves the meal, there is always enough to go around, and then some. What a lesson for the disciples to learn.

Never fear to trust him.
What do you need today?

He has more than enough mercy, more than enough grace, and more than enough power.

Jesus came to earth as the Living Bread from heaven. Fear not. He has enough to meet your need, with plenty left over for tomorrow.

Lord Jesus, when my cupboard is bare, remind me that your pantry is always full. Teach me to trust when I can’t see how I will make it through another day. Amen.

Musical bonus: Let’s listen as Faith Hill sings a beautiful arrangement of O Come, All Ye Faithful.