Matthew 14:14-21: a reflection

14Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.” 16But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.” 18He said, “Bring them here to me.” 19He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. 21Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.

Jesus sees a great crowd, and his first response is compassion; he heals their sick. As evening comes, the disciples want to send the people away to find food, but Jesus gives them a startling command: they do not need to go away; you give them something to eat. The disciples protest that all they have is five loaves and two fish, an impossibly small amount for such a multitude. Jesus simply says, bring them here to me.

What happens next is a lesson in how Jesus works. He takes the little they have, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it back to them to distribute, and in his hands the small becomes more than enough. Everyone eats and is filled, with twelve baskets of leftovers besides. Jesus did not need the loaves and fish, but he chose to use them. The disciples' tiny offering, placed in his hands, fed thousands. What was far too little became abundance once it was given to him.

You often stand where the disciples stood, facing a need far bigger than your resources, with only a little to offer. Jesus' command still comes: bring what you have to me. He is not asking you to meet the need in your own strength; he is asking you to place your small offering, your time, your ability, your few loaves, in his hands and let him multiply it. Do not despise the little you have, and do not withhold it because it seems too small. Bring it to Jesus, and watch what he does with it.

Lord Jesus, you took five loaves and two fish and fed thousands, making abundance out of a small offering placed in your hands. When I face needs far bigger than my resources, help me to bring my little to you rather than despising it or holding it back. Take what I have, bless it, and multiply it for your purposes. I place my few loaves in your hands. Amen.