Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

John 6:1-13

1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.


When they were satisfied, [Jesus] told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” John 6:12


Scripture does not tell us how the surplus of food was dispersed after Jesus fed the multitude. However, we can be sure that the extra morsels were not thrown away. The Lord said, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.”

Jesus’ statement raises several questions: Was the food saved for the disciples? Did the disciples carry the baskets with them as they continued their journey? Was the leftover bread distributed to the poor? Whatever the case, the food was not wasted.

Our church has a long tradition of working to meet people’s basic needs. Each Sunday we collect non-perishable items for distribution at a food bank. We donate leftovers from our church dinners to an organization that operates from our church taking meals to the elderly or shut-ins. We try to follow Christ’s message, to gather up extra food so that nothing is lost.

Although our efforts are miniscule compared to the world’s need, we can help to alleviate the hunger of our near neighbors. Whether we are able to feed five thousand, five hundred, or five, we can follow Christ’s example of providing food to the hungry.




Prayer: Dear God, guide us to meet people’s needs for food, companionship, and compassion. May we follow Christ’s example by extending a hand to those in need. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: Those who are hungry

Thought for the Day: Giving food for the body opens the door to sharing food for the soul.

Story shared by: Fritzie M. (PA)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 7/1/12