Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. For three weeks we studied the parables of Jesus. The parables give us, as they did for the disciples, insight into the mysteries of the Kingdom. We now enter several weeks where we will be studying the miracles of Jesus. These will range from the feeding of the multitudes, to healings, and demonstrations of Jesus’ power over nature itself.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied
For three weeks we studied the parables of Jesus. The parables give us, as they did for the disciples, insight into the mysteries of the Kingdom.
We now enter several weeks where we will be studying the miracles of Jesus. These will range from the feeding of the multitudes, to healings, and demonstrations of Jesus’ power over nature itself.
The Kingdom of God is indeed a place of great mystery and power. Yet, we as its citizens have access to all that and more.
A study of miracles may be an occasion to marvel at God’s power and command over all things. It may be a chance to grow in our confidence in what God can do for us and for greater thankfulness for the big and small miracles we experience each day. Those are all awesome things to do.
There is another and yet greater aspect to these miracles. Today’s miracle and those we will study in the upcoming weeks are a call to trust and faithfulness.
When we are presented with a new opportunity, when it is time for a new effort, we come to that fork in the road. Will I trust and be faithful or will I be fearful and unbelieving? Is my God a small and insignificant being whose day has long past, or is He as mighty and all powerful as in the days of Joshua, Moses, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Malachi? Is He the one Who said: “You need only ask in My Name?” Is He the One Who conquered death?
We have been given repeated moments where the right choice is to look past fear; factually to destroy fear with trust and faithfulness. It is what we do with those moments that counts.
We might imagine the look on the disciples faces when Jesus says: “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” Maybe bewilderment, and yes fear. In response Christ crushes their fear with abundance.
Miracles call us to a response.
