4 Lessons from the Loaves and Fishes

In the book of Matthew 14:13-21, we encounter one of the most inspiring stories in the Bible, the story of Jesus feeding five thousand people. What does this miracle tell us about Jesus? What lessons can we get from this story? 

Let’s dig deeper into this miracle to better understand how it relates to our daily lives as we continue on the journey of salvation.  

In this scripture, we learn of Jesus’s great compassion for the people who followed him—and the sick among them. As this particular evening approached, disciples informed Jesus that, since they were in a remote place, it would be best if He sent the crowds away so they could head to a nearby village to get some food for the evening.

Jesus responded that they didn’t need to go away because He and the disciples could feed everyone themselves! Out of surprise, they responded that there were only five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus asked for the bread and fish and asked the crowd to sit on the grass.

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, blessed them, and broke the food into pieces. He then gave the food to His disciples, who distributed it to the crowd. They all ate to their fill, and the disciples picked up twelve full baskets of leftovers. The Bible says that the number of those who ate was about five thousand men, not including women and children. 

What does this tell us about our faith? 

1. Be Compassionate

The act of Jesus feeding five thousand people reminds us of Jesus’s compassion for His people. It was the end of the day, and the disciples were tired. Jesus probably was, too. His disciples wanted the crowd to go away because it was getting dark. But then Jesus said to them, Let the people remain and give them some food.

2. In Every Situation, Jesus Is Able

Jesus can provide for you and solve your troubles in any situation. Jesus is the ultimate provider; His gifts exceed anything we can imagine. In this story, you can see how powerful Jesus is. He commands the miracle, and it happens. Everyone present is fed to satisfaction. 

3. Jesus Uses People to Bless Others

God works through His creation. That includes us. Jesus used His disciples and the boy with the bread and fish to feed a multitude. God can do this with you, too, using you to help others and ease their pain. If God asks you to be a blessing and help others in need, have faith and the willingness to put in your best effort. This, too, will glorify God’s name.  

4. Nothing Is Too Big for God

No obstacle you can ever face, no matter how overwhelming, is too big for God. God is greater than everything. Any problem you encounter has no option but to bow at the mention of the name of Jesus.  

Jesus’s love for you is unwavering. Christ is big enough to fulfill any of your physical and spiritual expectations, to supply all your needs through His riches in glory. For the five thousand, He created something out of almost nothing. 

Imagine what He can do for you.