Mathew 14:19,20 – And ordering the crowds to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looked up toward heaven. He blessed the food and breaking the loaves, He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces: twelve full baskets.
This lesson stuck with the twelve disciples all of their lives. How do I know this? Well it happens to be the only miracle recorded in all four of the gospels. It was not only a shocking display of the compassion of the Lord, it was also a picture of His sufficiency in all things. Those were breathtaking on their own merit but it may have been something more personal that got to the disciples. If you remember the boys wanted to send away the crowds, it was way too much hassle to even think about solving this problem. In the middle of their self centered quandary they heard His instructions, “you give them something to eat”. Not what they wanted to hear but they reluctantly found some food and brought it to Jesus. You know what happened next, 5000 folks ate their fill as the disciples were shocked again. Now there were 12 large baskets leftover, one for each disciple. Here is how Spurgeon describes this miracle.
“After the feast, twelve great baskets wore needed to hold the fragments. It was impossible to exhaust the store. The baskets were full as well as the people. There was more provision after the feeding than before it. By feeding others our stock increases. That which was left had been blessed as well as that which was eaten, and therefore it was fine food for the disciples. They gave plain bread and fish, and they receive more in quantity, and a blessing to improve the quality. Those who wait upon others at Christ’s bidding shall have a fair portion for themselves. Those who fill others’ mouths shall have their own baskets filled. Everybody is satisfied when Jesus makes the feast.”
As they gathered the leftovers and realized the supernatural provision for each of them they began to get it. Those who minister to others finish the day with a full basket for themselves. This is the way of ministry, it really is more blessed to give than to receive.
