You probably know the story of Jesus feeding five thousand people by multiplying a boy’s lunch: Just five small loaves and two fishes. You also might know that in performing this miracle, Jesus really fed more than five thousand people. After all, the scripture tells us that “The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children” (Mat 14:21). The story refers to just men, but there were also women and children there as well. How many women and children were there? We don’t really know but, some estimates are ten thousand, fifteen thousand, or more people were fed. Which makes this amazing miracle even more amazing.
This miracle is a very big deal. Not that all of Jesus’ miracles aren’t a very big deal, but this story, the feeding of the five thousand, is told in every one of the Gospels: Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6. Which is significant since no other miracle, except the resurrection itself, is shared in every one of the Gospels.
We can only speculate about why all of the Gospel writers were inspired to include this miracle. But I like to speculate at times. So, here’s what I think might be one of the reasons. Granted, my thinking this way might only be because I think it is so cool rather than the Apostles seeing it this way. They saw Jesus do amazing things all the time. Still, when I see each retelling of the story concluding with some form of “the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over” (Mat 14:20) I like to think that the leftover baskets had something to do with why this story is told in every Gospel.
Imagine it. Jesus takes one lunch, multiplies it to feed ten or fifteen thousand people, maybe more, everyone eats until they are satisfied, and there are twelve baskets left over. Without getting into the potential symbolism of “twelve” itself, it seems more than coincidental that there was a basket leftover for each disciple to see. Everyone was satisfied, no one complained about wanting more, and each of the disciples could look into a basket full of leftovers. I’d remember that.
I love this story. I’m amazed by what this miracle shows about Jesus, both His power and His compassion. He wasn’t willing to let these people go home hungry. And I’m awed by the fact that Jesus provided more than what was needed. A great lesson for all of us. There is something that happens after this miracle that is interesting. Something that we might overlook and that can teach us another lesson.
It seems normal, or maybe it is more appropriate to say it seems human, that these people who experienced the miracle, wanted to see more of Jesus. He had done a great miracle for all to see and they wanted more. But Jesus, concerned that after this miracle the people will want to make Him an earthly king by force, goes to a mountain by Himself (see Jon 6:14-15).
The people waited. The next day, when Jesus hasn’t come back yet, they begin to look for Him. They saw the disciples leave on boats, and Jesus go up on the mountain. Neither have returned. So where is Jesus, they want to know. Maybe he has gone to Capernaum, He hangs out there a lot, they may be thinking. They don’t know how He got there but it’s worth taking a look. So, they get in boats and head to the other side of the lake (see Jon 6:22-24).
“When they found Him on the other side of the lake, they asked Him, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’” (Jon 6:25). They are confused, since they didn’t see Jesus get into a boat, they’re wondering how He got there. But Jesus’ answer is a little bit of a surprise. In reality, He ignores their question and, instead, gives them what sounds like a bit of a scolding. He says, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill” (Jon 6:26).
Maybe Jesus’ response seems harsh to you. I mean, these people were hungry and Jesus fed them. Is it wrong for them to want another meal? No. But is that all they want? Are they really seeking Jesus? Or, are they just seeking blessings? Jesus is pointing out that they’re missing the most important thing. He performed “signs” for them. He did more than just give them food, as miraculous as that was, He revealed to them, by “signs”, that He was the Messiah, the foretold Savior of the world, the Son of God. They should have fallen at His feet to worship, not just make Him an earthly king to benefit them or give them their next meal. He had more for them. He could give them “food that endures to eternal life” (Jon 6:27).
And that is the question we may need to ask ourselves: Are we merely seeking blessings for today? Or are we fully committed to serving Jesus for now and eternity. Under any circumstances. Of course, He will bless us with what we need. Often, He blesses us with far more than we need or deserve. Because He is gracious. But is that what our faith is founded on? Or do we rest in Jesus because of who He is: Our Lord and our Savior, the foretold Messiah, who deserves our worship and our praise.
David Foucar has a passion for teaching God’s word. His first book, “What Do I Say When Asked About Jesus?” is a conversational approach to helping people answer questions about Jesus. The book provides a layman’s perspective on personal evangelism and the basics of the Christian faith. Dave has been married for thirty-six years to the love of his life, Debbie. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and two granddaughters. To read more of David’s writing visit his Newsletter.
Image by Scripture-Images
No, don’t follow God for a meal. “God can bless you with everything you need, and you will
always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for
others”. (see 2 cor 9:8.) Contemporary English Version of the Bible. This is the meaning or significance of the extra 12 baskets of food that were left. More than this, this story signifies that we should not follow God for material things but substantial ones that Can lead us to eternity.
Your Friend – His Servant,
Isaac Otieno