A great crowd gathered in the place where Jesus and His disciples were, the disciples wanted to send the people away because evening was approaching and they were in a remote place they said, “This is a desolate place, send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” They knew the people needed to reach surrounding villages soon to buy food, find lodging, or they would likely go hungry. But Christ had a better idea: “YOU give them something to eat” (Matthew 14:16). What did they have to give this many people? Andrew said, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9) Philip exclaimed, “Eight months’ pay would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (John 6:7) There were 5,000 men there plus wives and children maybe 20,000 people to feed!!
“When all of them had enough to eat, Jesus spoke to his disciples. “Gather the leftover pieces,” He said. “Don’t waste anything.” So, they gathered what was left over from the five barley loaves. They filled 12 baskets with the pieces left by those who had eaten.” (John 6:12-13) The 12 baskets of leftovers may symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel. They also tell us that God is not only a generous provider, but that HE HAS UNLIMITED RESOURCES.
Jesus sent His disciples ahead on the boat and went up to pray, later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. He went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw Him WALKING ACROSS THE LAKE, they thought He was a ghost. They cried out, Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were COMPLETELY AMAZED, for they HAD NOT UNDERSTOOD ABOUT THE LOAVES; their hearts WERE HARDENED (pōroō: lose the power of understanding because of unbelief)” (Mark 6:47-52) Even though they were there, they just COULD NOT ACCEPT THE FACT that thousands of people could be filled up from ONE SMALL LUNCH. Remember, these are the same ones who did not believe the Jesus would rise from the dead after the crucifixion. “Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this (that Jesus had risen from the dead!) to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.” (Luke 24:10-11)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham