Faith that Moves.

Yesterday at Bible study, we poured over John 6:1-15.

1 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 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?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

There is so much that could be said about this passage, but today I'm going to focus onthe boy who was willing to share his meal with strangers. First of all, barley was used by the poorest of people so we know he probably came from an impoverished place. This speaks much of his generosity and his heart to share when he could have saved it for himself or his family. I also have an image of his mother who had the foresight to pack him dinner before he ran off to listen to Jesus. In my mind, there were probably other people who had food but the Bible is specific in saying that this boy was the only one who came forward and offered his food.

On the topic of faith, the disciples had just spend the entire day watching Jesus heal the sick. It makes me laugh that they witnessed so much of Jesus' life and power and yet they failed to believe He could provide food for 5,000+. But Jesus asks Philip the question to bring them to the realization of the impossibility of the situation and how, in reality, all things are possible through Christ. Amazing to even hear Andrew's disbelief. "What are these 5 loaves and 2 fishes for so many people?"

I love that among so many, a boy had the faith to share what he had and was in turn blessed.

1. This boy is recorded in the gospels.
   
2. His food was used as an instrument for feeding others to the point of satisfaction.
3. His faith brought others to see Jesus as the Prophet, the Messiah they've been waiting for.
4. His faith and the turn of events glorified God.

This passage reminded me that we don't really have much to offer God but he wants us to believe that He can and will do great things from what we offer. It's also not the physical thing he wants, but our faith and our belief. May we be moved by understanding the gospel and grace to give. May we find our worth at the cross.

As I drove today, I wondered about this boy and what kind of man he grew up to be. I'd like to meet him in Heaven and ask about his life after the miracle. I want to be like this boy with a faith that moves mountains.

I have not much
To offer You
Not near what You deserve
But still I come
Because Your cross
Has placed in me my worth