Did you know the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 is the only miracle, besides the resurrection, that is recounted in all four gospels? Maybe that is because it is a story that serves to remind us of Jesus’ compassion, mercy, and that what seems an impossible task to us is just an opportunity for God to show us differently. Mark 6:31 tells us that Jesus was taking his disciples to a remote and quiet place where they could have time to rest after their mission work. What a surprise it must have been when they arrived and crowds of people were already there. This crowd is likened to “sheep without a shepherd.” I don’t know about you, but when I need some quiet time, being interrupted and needed by even one person irritates me, much less a crowd of people! But not Jesus. He saw this as a time to not only provide for these lost sheep, but also teach them about all that is possible with God.
Jesus showed compassion and mercy to the crowd with only two fish and 5 loaves of bread and he made sure everyone had their fill. Jesus didn't provide just enough for them to get a taste, he made sure that all of their stomachs were full. But Jesus had a bigger objective. An objective that included showing the crowd that the only sustenance that will never leave their souls hungry is that of God. Jesus didn't want the crowd to continue to believe in him and follow him just because he could feed them. He wanted them to believe in him and follow him because he was and is the “Bread of Life” and with him their souls would never be hungry again.
What a simple, yet powerful reminder of this story is during Lent. Let’s all decide to let Jesus keep us full and fill our souls daily and not just when we are hungry and running on empty.
Written by Margo Greene
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