You Give Them Something to Eat

16Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18“Bring them here to me,” he said. 19And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

(Matthew 14:16–19)

A huge crowd had gathered to hear Jesus. After hours of teaching, evening came, and the disciples recognized a problem. Thousands of hungry people needed food. Their solution was practical. Send the people away so they can buy something to eat. But Jesus answered, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

The disciples quickly realized how little they could do. They had only five loaves and two fish. That was nowhere near enough. Yet Jesus said, “Bring them here to me.” He took their small supply, gave thanks, broke the bread, and provided more than enough for everyone.

Jesus’ command helped the disciples see their dependence on him. He could just as easily say to us, . . . . “Give yourself life. Control the future. Provide everything your family will need. Find your own way to forgiveness and eternal life.” We cannot. We depend entirely on the gracious provision of our good and almighty Lord.

God provides food, clothing, shelter, family, and every daily necessity. More importantly, he gives us every spiritual blessing through Christ. Jesus gave himself for us, cleansing us from sin by his blood and opening heaven to us. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Do you give yourself the life you need? No, it’s from a gracious God. What has the Lord given you personally? Where can you see his providing hand? What can you thank him for today?