6 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages[a] to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks,and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” (Side-note, Jesus wasn't wasteful)
...23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.
I recently read this passage and was hit for the first time with the emphasis not only that Jesus gave thanks, but that he did so before feeding the people. I could not in all my contemplation figure out why the Author chose to dwell on and emphasize this seemingly insignificant part of the story, giving thanks, given the scope of what happened that day (feeding 5 000 people on so little). A friend of mine highlighted to me one compelling reason why the emphasis rests on this point. I found her interpretation noteworthy and will elaborate on it below.
Jesus was faced with a situation in which, without divine intervention, it would be impossible to feed the people (PS I love that they take responsibility to feed these people and I don't know if that was a cultural norm or exceptional hospitality..?). However, Jesus, due to his faith in God his father, did not find these circumstances as limiting as his disciples did. He knew and truly believed that "nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). Jesus demonstrated beautiful faith by praising in advance for the miracle he knew/believed God would perform, and he praised God in advance for his provision. Moreover, Jesus expressed his faith even more when he went on to "distribute to those who were seated as much as they wanted." He clearly did not have a shadow of doubt that this food would be enough for everyone.
I found this interpretation both enlightening and convicting.
Enlightening - because Jesus models a faith so obviously founded on a solid relationship with the Provider. In addition, this brings in a whole new dimension to the concept of giving thanks (before meals and in general); not only for past and present, but also for future events out of expectant faith.
Convicting - because though I claim faith, I cannot remember the last time, if ever, I praised God out of faith and actually thanked him in advance for blessings not yet received.
After some reflection and many conversations I stand encouraged that though I struggle through having faith in a Trustworthy God, He is faithful enough to reveal my shortcomings and gently redirect me into a more wholesome relationship with Him. I sincerely wish you an ever growing relationship with our marvelous God, and if you've never encountered him, my prayer is that you may come to know him soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment