In Jesus' Hands

"One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, ⁹ "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?"

John 6:8-9

Feeding 5,000 men with a lad's five barley loaves and two small fish seemed a ridiculous suggestion.  The answer to Andrew's question was obvious, for they would have insufficient for five lads, much less 5,000 grown men and their families.  However, I give credit for the lad for volunteering the use of his food and Andrew for making his offer known to Jesus.  In the hands of Jesus the bread and fish were blessed, broken and miraculously multiplied, and all in attendance were enabled to eat until satisfied.

It was a generous thing the lad did to give all his food to Jesus and entrusted all he had to Him.  It seems he was not concerned about going hungry himself, a fear which perhaps kept others from offering what food they carried.  The result of the lad's giving resulted in more than stomachs being satisfied but the opening of eyes to recognise Jesus as the prophet Moses spoke of they ought to listen to.  John 6:14 affirms, "Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world."  Eating all the bread and fish they wanted satisfied the people for a day, and recognising Jesus as the Bread of Life God sent to seek and save sinners provided abundant life for eternity.

Isn't it a glorious thought that the little we have--which is totally insignificant and unable to meet the needs right before us--in the hands of Jesus can be multiplied and eyes can be opened to Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour?  Nothing committed to the hands of Jesus is wasted either, for the disciples gathered up 12 large baskets of leftovers after all had eaten.  Those baskets were a testimony of God's grace and abundant supply.  Jesus didn't need the food of the lad to do His wonders, and He doesn't need us.  Whenever we notice a need that is bigger than our ability to meet or fathom, it is wise for us to commit our concerns, possessions and our lives into His capable hands.

When confronted with the impossibility of procuring food for the people, Philip thought in terms of money.  It wasn't money Jesus was looking for but a heart willing to generously give all to Him in faith.  The lad gave without suggestions or demands how his offering should be used.  One thing we can be certain of is Jesus knew the needs of the lad and the people, and He is able to meet them in His miraculous way.  Are you willing to trust Jesus enough to give Him all without care so others will know Him?