[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during June 2025]
He did not have much but little is much if God is in it.[1]
In John’s report of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus challenged his disciple Philip with the need to feed the people that came to see Jesus. The disciples knew that, although they no doubt had some assets[2], their resources would not be adequate for the task. So they said that the problem could not be solved.
By contrast, one small boy, with more limited resources, was willing to share what he had. If Jesus had had to rely on the disciples he would have had nothing to work with but, by accepting the boy’s willingness to share, Jesus could perform a major miracle.
Are you facing a situation that you know is beyond your resources? Do you feel that there is no point in trying to do anything about it? One of the best antidotes to those feelings is to take another look at what you do have.
Do you enjoy good health? Divine healing is more than curing diseases; it includes the protection from health problems that you do not suffer from. Many of the Lord’s people have served him faithfully despite afflictions that might have deterred those who do not believe in God’s adequacy.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12 v12 [BSB]
What’s in your larder? Probably more than bread and fish. Is there a surplus that you could share, offer for a church event or donate to a food bank?
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share.
1 Timothy 6 v18 [BSB]
Do you have a stable income, whether or not you think it is enough? Do not neglect to return the Lord’s share to him. It will be worth it in the long term.
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
Proverbs 19 v17 [BSB]
There is an interesting footnote to the account of this miracle. John tells us:
And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
John 6 v12-13 [BSB]
Is it a coincidence that the twelve baskets meant that each of the disciples could take one home for his family? The Lord made provision, not only for those who came seeking him, but also for those who had heeded his call to “follow me!” We may think that the challenges are insurmountable but the Lord continues to provide for us.
Like the widow who gave all she had,[3] the young boy who offered a little has received an honourable mention wherever the Bible is read, no mean consolation for sacrificing his lunch.
References:
[1] quoted by Rev James Kimani, All Saints’ Cathedral, Nairobi, 04/Jun/2025
[2] John 12:6
[3] Mark 12:42
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys