Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near.
5 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.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- What is your favorite meal of all time?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you didn’t think you were going to have enough of something (whether money, food, relationships, etc.), only to discover it was more than enough? Share.
- This is another very familiar story in Christian communities. Read the account carefully. Do you see anything you never noticed before? If so, what is it?
- Why does Jesus ask questions?
- Verse 6 tells us that Jesus tested Philip. An educator uses tests not to judge, but to help people discover what they know, understand and believe, and what they still need to learn. Tests, properly used, are intended to affirm knowledge, etc. and to facilitate growth. How do you see that happening here?
- Bill Cullen uses this story to teach what he calls “God’s Math.” God’s math is this:
Me + Jesus = More Than Enough
It doesn’t matter what we as sinners bring or don’t bring to the equation. If Jesus is in the equation, there is always more than enough. How has Jesus demonstrated Himself “more than enough” in your life?
Prayer
Jesus, I love this passage. In the story of the 5000, when you were added to the equation of five loaves and two small fish, 5000 plus people were fed with 12 baskets of leftovers. Just so, with You in the equation of my life, or the equation of anyone’s life, there is always “more than enough.” Thanks for being in the equation of my life. Thanks for being my life’s equation.
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: test | Transliterated Word: peira
To perforate, pierce. An attempt, an experience. Generally and in a good sense in order to ascertain the character, views, or feelings of someone.
Family Engagement Activity
As a family, go above and beyond for someone else today. If there is someone in need, not only meet that need, but smash it out of the park. Maybe write a note to the teacher today on a homework assignment and tell them how much they mean to you. Maybe give them a gift card today online…or create a video as a family that talks about how much you value someone whom you have considered heroic through this containment period.
Going Activities To Consider
Who can you give more than enough to today? Pray that God leads you to someone today or makes you reflect upon a situation; whether that be a need you see through someone’s post or thinking of a past phone call or conversation. Take what you have, add Jesus, and see what happens.