Jesus once hosted a party with over 5000 in attendance. No invitations were sent. They just showed up and apparently the party was a hit, as they followed Jesus to the next town and repeated the party. This group that had witnessed the activities of the previous day could not get enough. They had to find Jesus. They wanted more. That must have been some party!But have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Why did all the people come?
Let’s flashback and look at this party and what must have made it some memorable! The party in question you are already know about – the party I am talking about is simply known as The Feeding of the Five Thousand.
For the disciples, I am sure the resurrection day was at the top of their most memorable days. But this day has to be at least near the top on the list of the most memorable days spent Jesus. On this day the disciples reported to Jesus the success of their mission trips, helped feed 5000 from a couple pieces of bread and dried fish, witnessed Jesus walking on water, and saw crowds of sick people brought to Jesus and healed.
I am sure if we experienced just one of those things in a day it would rank among the most memorable days of our lives let alone all of them. This remarkable day was so memorable that it contains the only miracle that is recorded by all four gospels writers. This day left an impression on those that were there for years to come – 2000 years later we are still talking about it!
I believe that Jesus knew how to attract crowds and more importantly those that came to Him seemingly always left wanting more. When Jesus arrived, crowds seemingly instantly arrived in anticipation of what might happen. I believe most people came to get something – to be healed – to be entertained – to be part of the ‘party’ - to say “I was there.”
The day begins with a report on the mission trip that the disciples had been sent on. (Luke 9:10) Can you imagine the excitement of the reports as each pair of disciples told stories of healing and of repentance?
As was Jesus practice, He suggested a retreat for rest was in order. (Mark 6:31-32) The retreat did not last long as reports circulated that Jesus and the disciples were in the area. As the crowds came, Jesus began to teach. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Why did all these people come? What were they looking for?” I believe many were there in hopes that this would be the beginning of the revolt to overthrow the Romans. I believe that most were there to get something – to say “I was there” – to be healed – to be fed – to be entertained – to be part of the ‘party.’ (John 6:2,15)
The gathered crowd grew weary and hungry. Jesus used the opportunity to feed the crowd by way of a miracle. The disciples who had earlier given reports of the many miracles they had been part of were at a loss as to how to feed the crowd. Jesus said to them, “You give them something to eat.” It is as if He was saying, if you are so concerned for them, feed them. The concern for someone’s needs is fine but you need do something about it. The disciples complained that what Jesus had asked was unreasonable. (John 6:7)
Jesus’ plan is that what they have at their disposal paired with God’s help will be enough. A small gift of two fish and five loaves was received. Jesus blessed the gift and ordered it be distributed. I am sure the disciples thought they would run out after the first half dozen people but they began to pass the bread and fish. By the end of the meal each was carrying his own basket of leftovers. (Luke 9:17)
Following the meal, Jesus sends the disciples ahead on the lake for a retreat and He takes a retreat as well. (John 6:16) During the evening as the storm rises on the lake, Jesus approaches them by walking on the water.
The following morning the group that had stayed behind with Jesus (or so they thought) realized that the Host of the previous day’s party had departed. The crowd quickly began to pursue Jesus. (John 6:22-24)
This group that had witnessed the activities of the previous day could not get enough. They had to find this Jesus. They were seeking more – another meal – another miracle – you name it. (Feed 4000 a different event)
I find it interesting that the next series of teachings that are recorded in the Gospels revolve around food – Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:25-59) – no food is unclean (Mark 7:1-23) – Crumbs at the table (Matthew 15:21-28) - the denial of self (Luke 9:23-27) – beware the yeast of the Pharisees (Matthew 16:5-12).
Finally, after all of these events the disciples figure out that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20).
Now that is a day to remember! No wonder they kept coming back wanting more!
One thing that this day reveals to us is that Jesus does not have to use us, but He does so anyway. Never forget God created the world with no help from us. And ever since then, He has chosen to use people, just plain folks, you and me, as His instruments on earth.
Jesus can accomplish anything He wants and yet He chooses to involve us. When we take the time to become personally involved in ministry we get to learn about Jesus and in the process we get to learn about ourselves.
Jesus didn’t do things to be memorable. He just did what came natural to Him. So, let’s look at what Jesus did that might also come natural to us:
1) Use what you have in Ministry with Others
You may say, “But, I don’t have enough of anything to make a difference!.” The small boy only had bread and fish. Have you considered that as a Christian, you have at least one spiritual gift. I know you do because the Bible promises that every believer has at least one gift from the Holy Spirit. This is your one “tiny fish.” Perhaps “your fish” is the talent or an ability that God gave you. We all have something. It may seem like what you have is insignificant, but that is not the point. The point is to say, “Here is what I have Lord use it.” And He will.
Have you ever thought God wanted you to do something that almost seemed absurd? How did you react? Have you ever looked at the resources you had at your disposal and said, “This will never be enough.”
God’s response is “just get started. I will take care of the rest.” Remember the disciples with a couple of fish and a few loaves? By the end of the meal each was carrying his own basket of leftovers.
2) Pray
Jesus started with a prayer. Jesus blessed the food. Then He calmly gave the disciples instructions to have the huge multitude sit down. Just as calmly, as if it happened every day, He began to distribute the five loaves, then the two fish, to the disciples who then distributed them to the crowd.
When Jesus prayed and then stuff started happening. NO less can be expected from us. Have you lifted up what you have to Jesus and asked Him to bless it? How much you have is not important. The important thing is to offer it to Jesus so He can bless it.
3) Become Available
Suppose the little boy had asked Jesus to give him the fish back? If you bring what you have to Jesus and give it to Him for Him to bless and multiply, you must then be willing for Him to use it. Too often we offer our gifts, but we want to attach strings – I’ll do this, but only if . . .
Sometimes the most memorable opportunities for ministry take place in the moments where we just make ourselves available (BTW, I like to think that the little boy took home one of the big baskets of leftover).
Still want to be part of something memorable?
If you have never trusted God with your time, or your talent, or your treasure, or all your resources, this is the time to start.
As you begin to give of what you have, you will discover that Jesus moves in where you are lacking and abundantly supplies what is needed.
When we give what we have to God, and we ask Him to bless it, that is when memorable things begins to happen.
Want to be part of something memorable?
You’re invited! The question is will you be a part of this memorable party?
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