What’s in your lunch?

Dear Kids,

John 6:9. “‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?'”

I make a lot of lunches around here. Sometimes when I lay out the bread for all the sandwiches I wonder if I will have enough to fill everyone up. Boys especially can really eat! I was reminded the other day of another young boy who packed up his lunch and headed out to hear Jesus teach.

Following along with the crowd, a young boy climbed a hillside and watched as Jesus, the great teacher and miracle worker, sat down with His disciples. The climb made him very hungry and he hugged his lunch close to his side while looking for a good place to sit down and eat. He was surprised by a tap on the shoulder and the voice of a rough fisherman asking, “Boy, do you have a lunch you can share with the crowd?” He thought about his rumbling stomach and wondered what good his small lunch would do for such a large group, but in an instant he made his decision. He would give the five small barley loaves and two small fish that he carried in his bag to Jesus. He handed it over and waited.

Soon he heard the Master instruct the crowd to sit on the grass. He took his place and listened as Jesus gave thanks to God for his small lunch and started distributing it amongst those closest to Him. There were around five thousand men here; how could his small lunch be enough to feed all of them? But the men kept coming and handing out more and more. Finally it was the youngsters’s turn to receive his portion. He couldn’t believe it. The fisherman gave him more than he had even brought. There was so much that they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. At the end of the exciting day, this youth headed for home with a light heart and a full stomach.

There are many times when we may feel we have nothing of value to give God. We consider what gifts or talents we have and wonder how they could be of any use. We may hear God asking and think, “Well, He could never use me.” Look a little closer. What do you have in your lunch? Release what you have to the Master and let Him multiply it. Who knows? Your small lunch may be what He uses to feed 5,000.

Love,

Mama