What DO you have?

The Feeding of the Five Thousand was an incredible miracle and such a great teaching tool. It continues to have instruction (on many levels) for us today. Looking at just one aspect of this account we find Andrew making a claim that was representative of the other disciples, but probably contained a tiny bit more hope than the others.

Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” John 6:5-9 ESV

The verse that follows recounts that Jesus immediately asked the disciples to tell the people to sit down—i.e., get ready to eat. In view of prior discussions, Christ’s response is not logical.

Earlier, John’s Gospel tells us that upon seeing the gathering crowd, Jesus had asked the disciples where one could buy food for this large group of hungry people. Philip had concluded that two hundred days’ worth of wages would not be enough to buy the food necessary—if they could even find that much in the neighboring villages. Clearly, though Jesus had compassion and wanted to feed the people, there just was no earthly way He could do it. If two hundred denarii could not buy enough food, why was Jesus preparing to feed the crowd with a child’s snack?

There are many messages in the miracle, but one message jumps off the page! Christ enlisted the disciples’ help in figuring out this ministry opportunity. Basically, He asked them, “How are we going to feed all these people?” It wasn't an “if” question, it was a “how” question. Philip introduced the conventional approach outlining the money needed, the probabilities, the logistics, and so on. Philip outlined all that they didn't have to be successful. Truly, there were too many obstacles; it couldn't be done.

Andrew, however, was bold (or silly) enough to mention what they did have: a boy’s lunch. But, quickly (perhaps hearing laughter or derision in the background) realized how inadequate his suggestion was: “but what are they for so many?”

Jesus then used the resources (the little boy’s lunch) the disciples had concluded was wholly inadequate—and their reason for not even trying—to feed the multitudes! The lessons become pretty transparent at this point:

1. Jesus can do anything, anytime, anywhere!

2. What Jesus intends to do, He can and will do!

3. The very things that argue against success can be used to achieve God’s purposes!

4. It doesn't take much (on our part) to participate in miracles!

            5. Further, suppose they could have bought the food that was needed. What implications would have followed? Jesus was a nice guy; He was thoughtful, generous, a great host, etc. More importantly, what truths about His character and ministry would have been lost?

Sadly, I am more like Philip than Andrew. I have a gift for seeing the obstacles to any great adventure. I have a gift for seeing what is inadequate by design or practice. I find it easy to rule out opportunities that have no earthly chance of working—why waste time and resources on those things when there are plenty of other good, (and proven) methods, or opportunities that need our time and resources?

Jesus was teaching and healing. For Philip and the others those things were already incredible ministry—a hundred times better than what was happening in the temple and synagogues.

But Jesus wanted to do more.

And, it appears, He was able to do so with very little: a little boy’s lunch and twelve weary, human-thinking disciples. This is humbling for all of us who know what good ministry looks like. We know a church needs compelling facilities, a vague and arresting name, easy parking, up-tempo and contemporary music, outstanding musicians, hip staff, great preaching, lifestyle ministry and leisure activities, and great on-line resources. Pity the fools that can’t manage those things.

Or maybe not: Jesus made ten to twenty thousand servings of food from that little lunch—so much so that they had more leftovers than the food with which He started! Truly, God has raised up some great people and great churches to His glory, but statistically that is not the norm, nor is it (necessarily) God's plan. Perhaps (just perhaps) God can still use humble people and humble programs and humble facilities today . . . Perhaps it is still Jesus that matters most in all that we do.

As believers we need to change our thinking and praying to account for the fact that Jesus is the power and inspiration for all ministry. His glory is our goal! If Jesus is not at work, then all our activity is a silly waste of energy anyway.We need open eyes to see the miracles God wants to do in our lives and ministries. We need to move away from our fixation on conventional wisdom or (worse) what we do not have to freely and unabashedly giving our Lord all that we DO have . . . however humble it might be.

To God be the glory, great things He has done; great things He will do!