We are told the crowd was large that day, numbering about 4,000. They had come to hear Jesus. We are also told: ” … and they had nothing to eat”
(Mark 8:1, NASB).
Jesus realized they had been with Him and listening for three days. He felt for them and acknowledges that to send them on their way without food would be a problem, as some had come a long way.
“And His disciples answered Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?”
(Mark 8:4, NASB)
Jesus answered their question with a question of His own: “How many loaves do you have?” (verse 5, NASB).
Jesus does not ask them, “How much do you need to feed all the people?”. He does not focus on the lack but solely on what is present.
One does not need to be a mathematician to know the numbers do not compute. Seven loaves would not suffice to feed 4,000 people. Four thousand hungry people.
As far as I can see, we are told the numbers for one reason and one reason only –
To magnify the greatness of what is about to occur.
Something happens when we offer the Lord the little we have and let Him do with it as only He can.
He honors our faith in giving, and the little becomes sufficient. He takes our lives and uses them in ways we never could imagine. He does not require anything of us that He has not equipped us to do:
“His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3, NASB)
” … may He equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 12:21, NASB)
Let’s return to the crowd and see what occurred …
Jesus took the seven loaves, thanked God for them, and broke them up for the disciples to distribute to the crowd.
Now I am not sure how it happened, but the more they dispersed to the crowd, the more there continued to be. The people ate until they were satisfied and there was still leftovers (see Mark 8:8).
When we offer up the little we have,
our little becomes more than enough.
And no one goes without.
The old hymns stay etched in our memories and flood back when we need to hear their words. In her post, “What is Etched in Your Memory?“, Pam Ecrement shares: “Perhaps they resonate with us because they connect to our own losses, prayers, hardships, and challenges and we gain fellowship with those who penned them. They often speak to the reality of walking out faith.” Read her post HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
What a good perspective when we see our lack–not, “Oh no, look, we don’t have enough,” but rather, “How great God is to provide more than what we need!”
Barbara, I so appreciated reading your thoughts. Our God does not withhold. He knows and provides according to what He knows we need. As we remember this, we will offer Him all we have.
It’s so amazing how this story discredits all our scarcity myths. He is a BIG God and he is so good.
Amen, Michele. You worded it so well … “this story discredits all our scarcity myths.” It’s why we need to know God’s Word – it will discredit every myth and lie the enemy would throw our way. Thank you for reading and sharing!
We’re to bring the loves and fishes and let God do the rest. It reminds me of how we plant the seed and God grows the plant to fruitation.
This is such a beautiful truth, Joanne, “When we offer up the little we have, our little becomes more than enough. And no one goes without.”
This really spoke to me today – He knows the littleness of what we have to bring. As I was reading, I thought – well, Jesus wasn’t surprised that they had no food. He knew. Maybe, too, He was just waiting for them to realize the littleness of what they had, too. God knows what we need when we hit the rock bottom of ourselves – and realize we can’t. . . and that is when He does the miracles! So much food (pun intended) for thought here – I’m going to sit with this throughout the day and just let it steep.
Joanne, these days I often feel I lack the energy, patience, and know-how I need. Love this reminder to focus on our Big God instead of my lack.
Perspective is so important, so necessary, for walking by faith well. Thanks for encouraging the saints to adjust perspective!
Oh the beauty of coming to Jesus, not out of lack, but expectation in His good answer to every need!
Oh, Joanne … wouldn’t it have been amazing to have been in the crowd that day and see those few loaves multiply to feed all those people? I wonder what how exactly that transpired. 🙂 I’m taking this with me today: “Something happens when we offer the Lord the little we have and let Him do with it as only He can.” Amen!
We’re to bring the loves and fishes and let God do the rest. It reminds me of how we plant the seed and God grows the plant to fruitation.
Something which really touched me in your message is the cue to “focus on what we have rather than what we don’t.” That sounds so simple, but it is profound. How often do we whine and bemoan our limitations rather than focusing on our blessings. Thank you for reminding me.
Joanne, I needed this reminder. Actually, I need it often. I love what you said here:
When we offer up the little we have,
our little becomes more than enough.
And no one goes without.
I’m thankful God is more than enough to make up for our lack! Beautiful post, friend!
Joanne, this gives me such hope. Sometimes I feel my offering is meager but it is not because God is the one who increases and multiplies as he pleases.
Joanne,
To often I focus on the lack of my situation rather than the Lord. Thank you for directing my eyes to Jesus. I love this, “When we offer up the little we have, our little
becomes more than enough. And no one goes without.” Powerful!