“Then He 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 and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.” (Matthew 14:19, NKJV)

The feeding of the 5,000 is mentioned by every Gospel writer. Obviously, they were all impressed by it. Not only was it a miracle of provision, but it also teaches us valuable lessons in how we obtain help from God.

First, the disciples saw the overwhelming need before them. It was late in the day, and they were in a remote place, far away from any markets. They told Jesus to dismiss the crowd so that they could go and buy food.

Second, Jesus presented them with an impossible problem. “You give them something to eat.” That sent them on a search to find out what food was available. John tells us that Andrew said, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” Indeed, what good were those scanty resources before so many hungry people?

Third, Jesus prepared them for what He was about to do. The disciples were anxious over the situation, and the people were likely restless and concerned for their children. Jesus told them to make the people sit down in groups on the green grass (Mark 6:39).

Fourth, Jesus told them to bring to Him whatever they had. This is probably the most important principle of the story. It isn’t how much we have but how willing we are to put all that we have into the hands of Jesus.

Fifth, Jesus multiplied their resources to do the impossible. Jesus took the fives loaves and two fish, blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to distribute among the people. They all ate and were filled and had twelve baskets of leftovers!

Now the lesson of the loaves is that we must see the need before us and the resources that we have, but then we must put everything into the Lord’s hands and ask Him to bless and multiply it. With God, nothing is impossible.

Lastly, we are like the loaves and fish. When we present ourselves to the Lord, He blesses us, He breaks us of our pride and self-will, and He multiplies us to bless others.

Have you put yourself and your resources into the hands of the One who can do anything?