Following Jesus--Feeding the 5,000

April 16, 2016

My 2016 Ongoing Journey: Exploring Matthew to discover what following Jesus and becoming more like him would look like.

Matthew 14:13-21 ~ The feeding of the 5,000 is one of few vignettes shared by all four Gospels. Matthew’s version of this familiar story doesn’t mention the boy who gives up his lunch. The disciples want to send the people home so they can eat. When Jesus says, “You feed them,” they respond “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.”

Some will feel the need to explain the difference between the various versions in the Gospels. The need is strong and widespread to defend every detail in Scripture, and where there are variations, to make every effort to smooth them over and make them disappear. I’ve been in that mindset, too, and it causes more problems and questions than it resolves.

Let Matthew speak for himself. Matthew has an important message, which is addressed to a specific audience, and which is delivered for a specific purpose. The need to defend the Scriptures becomes an end in itself, and too often we end up "proving" the details of biblical stories, but missing the point.

One interpretation of this story is that when Jesus took what he was given and started sharing it, others who also had brought food began sharing, and there was more than enough. In this understanding the miracle is the releasing of people’s generosity. It’s a pretty thought; but highly speculative.

The disciples’ response was typical of those who would proclaim, “I fight poverty; I work,” or “Get a job.” “Send them home,” the disciples counselled. Let them take care of themselves. Jesus said, “You feed them.”

I say I want to follow Jesus. When confronted with human need, did Jesus counsel that I first should determine whether the need is “valid?” Did Jesus counsel, “You feed them… unless.” Or “…except?”

“But we have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” The implication is, “Our resources are insufficient.” I can always find rationalizations to justify not following Jesus.

Dr. Fred Craddock told about a church he served as student pastor. There was $100 in a fund he could use at his discretion, as long as he met the conditions. He asked, "What are the Conditions?"

He was told, "You are not to use the money to help anyone who is in need as a result of drunkenness, laziness or poor management."

Fred replied, "Well, what else is there?" As far as he knew, they still had that money.

"We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish,"

“Bring them to me.” In Jesus’ hands, any effort, regardless of how big or small, is enough.

That's the way it looks through the flawed glass that is my world view.

Together in the Walk,

Jim