In our bible study and subsequent discussion, we studied the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 in the book of Matthew (14:13-21). Many Christians know of this story and are able to recite it with little difficulty, however it is very easy to simply read Scripture, without taking the time to understand andapply it. This is one of the purposes of the bible study- to not only listen and learn God’s Word, but to carry it out in our daily lives, so that we may be radiant instruments of God’s glory, light, and love in our communities.

Back to the parable, Jesus was followed by a large crowd who wanted to hear Him speak and heal their sick. His disciples became worried as the night drew on, fearing they would be unable to feed the multitude. They asked Jesus to send them away, to which Jesus said, “Give them something to eat.” A clear message of this situation is God’s compassion on the hungry- both physically and spiritually. God will feed those who are hungry that come to Him, even when others wish to turn them away.  When the disciples told Him that there were only five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus was able to use that to feed the entire crowd, so that there was more than enough to satisfy everyone. The obvious observation here is that God is capable of miracles and that this was simply another display of His awesome power. However, read the passage closely. It does not say that Jesus made more fish or bread, but that He was able to use what was already there so that it became enough. Similarly, God has given each of us gifts in order to do His work. In prayer, we often ask God for more- more gifts, more blessings, more ways to finish our tasks. However, God is able to bring out that which is already within us, so that it may be enough (or more than enough). We do not need more when we trust in God; He is able to take what seems like nothing and make it abundant.

Yet another lesson we can take away as we serve the King of Kings, the Name above all Names.

Mathew Kuriakkose, NJ, USA