You can have mine...

 

We've all grown up hearing the miraculous story, and
we marvel at Jesus' ability to multiply
5 loaves and 2 fish into a feast with leftovers.

However, I have been thinking about that kid: you know, the one with the lunch. With a crowd that size, how was he the only one from whom they found supplies?

The disciples were even a little fed up. " Tell these people to go home, they've been with us all day now, and everyone is getting hungry." ( Okay, so I'm paraphrasing...but you get me. )
When Jesus asked what they had, they replied with "We have 5 loaves and 2 fish. " So simple, but so complex. The book of John says:  “There’s a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that’s a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this.” ( John 6:9, The Message )

I imagine that morning, as his mother packed these things for him, he had no idea he would be the catalyst for a miracle. So my questions are: Where were all the others? Why didn't anyone else step forward?

If there were 5,000 men, then many scholars believe there may have been close to 9,000+ including women and children. I don't know anyone who goes somewhere for the day without making plans to eat. This boy, couldn't have been the only one there with food. But, again...why him? I have a theory and it is based on my own experiences.

When I have hit the toughest times, the ones who came through for me were often those also in the middle of their own crises:
 
A friend uses her own food stamps to buy us groceries.
Another friend gives me half of her last $20.00 for gas money.
Another brings by practically new shoes for my daughter, when she needs her own shoes for a new job.

The list goes on and on. I am always blown away by the mercy I've seen in these friends.
" Mercy" in itself has had me thinking. Mercy sees a need and is immediately moved with compassion and then action. It is immediate. Without hesitation.

Just like in the feeding of the multitude, Jesus saw the need and immediately reacted. He didn't make a huge announcement to the throng. He didn't ask everyone to come together. There were no special offerings or pledge drives. He didn't say: " I'll pray about it," or " Let me get back to you on that." One translation says: "When he saw the crowd, " He was moved with compassion ( mercy ). ( Matthew 14:14 AMP )

He saw a need.
A child volunteered.
He went to work.
There was more than enough.

Why do we make things so complicated? If there's a need, and we have an opportunity to be a part of a miracle, then why is there hesitation? Maybe it has to do with the teachings a few verses further..“This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow.”( John 6:60 The Message ) The idea that He was the Bread of Life, that He was their total source, was just too much. Many left that day, but he turned to the 12 and asked if they too would leave. What would be our breaking point of obedience?

The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle, outside of Christ's resurrection, that is mentioned in all the gospels. 

Maybe it is because the message of salvation is simple: We step forward like a child, giving what we have to Him, so not only will He multiply it, but we feast on the knowledge He was also willing to die for it.