Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. ~ John 6:10-11
This story has always been poignant to me. A nameless little boy, remembered centuries after by adults and children alike, for sharing the little he had with the son of God. Were his little knees scuffed and muddied like my own little boy’s? Was he a little nervous about the presumption of bringing such a small offering to the Lord? We cannot know.
But the Son of God, the same one who healed diseases and preached to masses, took the loaves from this little boy. Because, of course, it wasn’t the lunch that was special – but Jesus.
This was the same Jesus who said another time:
and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 18:3-4
Here indeed was a child teaching the adults. These men, these disciples, had followed Jesus and listened to his teachings. And yet they were still trying to lean on their own resources:
Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” ~ John 6:7
This was not a problem that would be solved by finances or skill or efficiency. And this little boy understood what the adults did not yet grasp. He gave his own meager offerings to the One who works miracles, trusting that Jesus would do what he could not. Jesus took the lunch and fed the masses.
Do we trust our own problems to Christ today? Or are we still struggling, looking to our own resources to solve them? May we each learn to trust Jesus more like this little boy.
Photo by Vasanth Kedige on Unsplash
Wattsup With Kids 