This is probably one of the best known miracles and is one of the great signs through which Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is confirmed for us (saying that, don’t get me started on the number of times I’ve been asked to turn water into wine, “like my boss” !!!)
We know the story well; crowds had followed Jesus to a remote place and the disciples, spotting the logistical problems, begged him to send the people away so that they could find food. Perhaps though, we focus more on the miracle and less often on Jesus’ response to the disciples.
“You give them something to eat.”
Yes, it was Jesus, ‘God’s Messiah’ (Lk 9:20), who miraculously multiplied the food, but doing so he invited and engaged his disciples. It was the twelve who shared God’s abundant provision with God’s people, and the 12 who gathered up the crumbs, 12 baskets full, symbolically enough for the whole world.
Christ feeds, Christ blesses, Christ saves. We, his disciples, are tasked with sharing the blessings and the news of salvation. Now as then.
As ever, there is much more to say than space in which to say it, so I’ll close with something to ponder. In our own remote places, wherever they are, Christ uses us to share God’s blessings. We see the needs in the world and beg Him to intercede. How do we respond when he says to us ‘you give them something to eat’?
Revd. Dan Langdon Griffiths, Stewardship Officer
