God Is Miraculous

In review of Matthew 14:15-17, 19 it says, That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.

Today's verses come from the middle of Matthew chapter 14. This is Matthew's briefer version of Jesus feeding five thousand people in a very remote location.

As the story unfolds Jesus has just learned of John the Baptist's death, so he left in a bot to a remote area to be alone. However, large crowds followed Jesus to this remote area. Jesus had compassion on people and healed their sick. It was getting late and it was a very remote location so the disciples suggested that Jesus sent the crowds away so that they could buy food for themselves.  But Jesus, had something different in mind and instead told the disciples to feed the crowds.

Immediately the disciples answered, but we have only five loaves of bread and two fish. This is just like me, I say, “but... how?”

Jesus instructed them to bring the food to him. Jesus took the food, looked toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, he broke the loaves into pieces.  All ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men (not including the women and children with them) were fed that day.

At the beginning of the story, we see Jesus, at hearing the bad news of John's death, deciding to retreat to a remote area. I can only speculate this was to be a strengthening communion relationship with his Father in prayer and with his close friends (the disciples.) However, in his desire to be alone, he still saw, recognized and served with compassion; especially at a time when I'm sure he would have rather been in a smaller fellowship group. Like Jesus there may be times when I'd rather be alone, but will need to serve with an open heart and compassion (not begrudgingly.)

Jesus uses the opportunity of meeting a physical need to reveal Himself through a miracle. He also uses this as a training opportunity to have have his disciples participate.

Like the disciples there may be times where I may need serve and it may not make practical sense (i.e. how would I feed a large crowd with a small amount of food), I need to trust God and not myself or my own understanding.

Overall God is the God of miracles. Even today He is willing and able to reveal Himself through miracles. He can take my feelings of inadequacy, unbelief, burdens, sickness and turn them into something extraordinary.

2 Corinthians 1:20 teaches the answers to God’s promises are always “yes” and “amen.” I can lean on Him and should learn to trust Him completely.

Bottom Line:

God is just miraculous

What this means to me:

Like Jesus, there may be times when I'd rather be alone, but will need to serve with an open heart and compassion (not begrudgingly.) Like the disciples, there may be times where I may need serve and it may not make practical sense (i.e. how would I feed a large crowd with a small amount of food). When this happens, I need to trust God and not myself or my own understanding. God is miraculous and can do anything that He wants to accomplish his purposes.  He may even use me to help.

This morning Father I ask you to help me to trust the small things as well as the big things to Your care. I don’t just want to believe; I want to expect miracles in my everyday life because You are that good! In Jesus’ name.