God always provides for his people

One of my favorite events in the life of Jesus is the feeding of 5,000 men plus women and children. This miracle is so important it is recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6). The lesson is that God always meets the physical and the spiritual needs of His people. Jesus cares and provides for our spiritual needs. He also cares and provides for our physical needs.

The disciples needed rest. Jesus said to them, “’Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.’ (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31). Jesus and His disciples got into a boat on the Sea of Galilee.

People began running along the shore and followed. John 6:2 tells us they followed because of the miracles Jesus performed on those who were sick. Mark 6:33 says, “The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities….” Luke tells us they left Capernaum and went to Bethsaida. The distance by boat was four miles. On foot it was eight miles.

A massive crowd arrived. Five thousand men plus women and children easily numbered 15,000 to 20,000 people. Jesus met their spiritual needs. Jesus “felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:34).

Jesus also ministered to their physical needs. John 6 points out that Jesus had a perfect plan. As the crowd began to arrive Jesus turned to one of His disciples, Philip, and asked a question. In verse 5 Jesus asked, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” Verse 6 says, “This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.” Our Lord Jesus always has a perfect plan.

Jesus had already thought through the practical ramifications of so many people following Him to such a remote place. He was testing the disciples’ faith. Philip understood it was an impossible situation. Philip answered, “Two hundred days wages would not be sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little” (verse 7).

Sometimes God does the same in our lives. He tests our faith. The situation seems impossible. Our resources are limited. Tough times are always an opportunity for God to work!

The disciples also felt compassion for the people. Their solution was simple, “This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves” (Matthew 14:15). The people needed to go home and fend for themselves.

However, one little boy brought a lunch. Five small barley loaves and two fish. In the Sea of Galilee at that time there were three types of fish. These were probably sardines- very small fish.

Jesus divided the people into groups of hundreds and fifties (they made an accurate count). “Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds” (Matthew 14:19). Jesus took. Jesus blessed. Jesus broke. Jesus gave. Mark 6:42 says, “They all ate and were satisfied.” This was an all you can eat buffet!

What are the lessons from this event? The first lesson is that Jesus is God. Liberals say that the young boy’s generosity in sharing his lunch encouraged others to share also. His generosity shamed the adults and they began to volunteer their lunches and all were fed. No. All four gospels accounts point out that there was no food in the entire crowd except for the little boy’s lunch.

It’s been said, “Jesus is not a Person we could invent neither is He a Person we would invent if we could.” Jesus is the God-Man. He came on a mission. He came to die on a cross for our sins. He is coming back again one day. This miracle demonstrates He is God.

Second, God is obligated to meet the physical and spiritual needs of His people. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” God’s own character is at stake. At salvation we become God’s children. God is obligated to provide for His children. Jesus provides as we work hard. There may be times of leanness to test us but God always provides for His people.

Wasn’t it just a month or so ago and the Valley was bone dry and on fire? God throws a switch and the result is abundant water! The apostle Paul in Acts 14:17 said, “and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” God’s provision is evidence of His existence. We know God exists because He provides for us!

Third, whatever we give to God, He multiplies. The young boy offered his lunch- five barley loaves and two sardines. Jesus fed thousands of people. When we give God all the pieces He turns around and multiplies them!

Fourth, there is a lesson in faith. Jesus has a perfect plan for your life. It will be different than you planned but it will be better. Don’t lose your confidence in God. Keep trusting Him. Keep studying the Word of God. The focus of our lives must be His kingdom and His righteousness.

I’m thankful that Jesus provides physically and spiritually for His people. I’m thankful that God’s plan is perfect. I’m thankful that we can trust Him and follow Him every day.

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.