Mark 6:42,43 – And they did all eat, and were filled.
And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
This miracle displays the absolutely insane excessive nature of God’s provision. He fed 5000 men plus women and children until they were all filled; of course there was twelve baskets of leftovers for the disciples to consider. Who does that? Not only did He meet the need but He supplied leftovers for the disciples and their families.
This miracle inspired us at Victory back in 1990 when we were broke, facing bankruptcy, and no way to dig out of our problems. People gave me every suggestion from declaring bankruptcy, starting a marketing campaign, or even start a prayer group for the wealthy. That’s when the Lord said to throw a giant free food festival for the poorest of the poor. He said to do that and watch and see what He would do. So we did. Since that time we have seen our church change and we have seen God provide constantly. Feed the Multitudes has gone on at Victory Church since 1990, it about to take place again this July fourth 2026.
Looking back at that first FTM and seeing what has happened in our congregation brings me to today’s verse, “And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.”
The Lord not only pulled off FTM over the years, it has been a sign to all of us of the supernatural nature of this life that we enjoy in Christ. He challenges us to live outside of ourselves, ministering to the broken lives all around us. As we do, He provides for the ministry opportunities and at the same time there is always 12 baskets full for all of us. As we distribute all that He has given to us, He supplies for us in the midst of the work.
Maybe its time for all of us to consider these twelve baskets of leftovers. The disciples had to be shocked again at the excessive nature of this miracle. They had to be thinking about the boat sinking catch of fish several years before, the barrels of water turned into wine at the famous wedding, and the thousands of full bellies after the miracle feeding that day. So maybe you are facing an impossible challenge today- if so, find someone in trouble worse than you are and give them a hand. Before you know it you may be scratching your head at the 12 baskets full.
