Feast of the Five Thousand: Unleashing the Power of Little – Mark 6 v 30-44

30 Then the apostles gathered around Jesus and told him everything they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come with me privately to an isolated place and rest a while” (for many were coming and going, and there was no time to eat). 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to some remote place.

Jesus and the disciples need a timeout. They’ve been on the move, and it’s time for a retreat. But people catch wind of their getaway and beat them to the destination. Sometimes, the unexpected interruptions lead to the most significant miracles.

33 But many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they hurried on foot from all the towns and arrived there ahead of them. 34 As Jesus came ashore he saw the large crowd and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.

Jesus sees the crowd, and instead of saying, “Guys, we need a break,” He’s filled with compassion. Compassion over convenience. Jesus teaches us that sometimes, our plans need to take a backseat to love and empathy.

35 When it was already late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is an isolated place and it is already very late. 36 Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “Should we go and buy bread for two hundred silver coins and give it to them to eat?” 38 He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five – and two fish.”

The disciples are faced with a daunting task—feeding thousands with just five loaves and two fish. It’s like a crazy maths problem with an even crazier solution. Little becomes much in the hands of Jesus. Your small efforts can unleash a massive impact.

39 Then he directed them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they reclined in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. He gave them to his disciples to serve the people, and he divided the two fish among them all.

Instead of stressing over the scarcity, Jesus turns it into a community feast. The little that each person brings becomes a part of something extraordinary. Community and sharing amplify the impact of little. It’s not just about what you have; it’s about what we have together.

42 They all ate and were satisfied,

Notice this: Jesus takes the little, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it. This is a foreshadowing of the Last Supper and the ultimate sacrifice. Abundance comes from the Source. When Jesus blesses and breaks, be ready for an overflow.

43 and they picked up the broken pieces and fish that were left over, twelve baskets full. 44 Now there were five thousand men who ate the bread.

After everyone is satisfied, there are twelve baskets of leftovers. Not a small container, but twelve baskets! When Jesus is involved, there’s not just enough; there’s more than enough. His abundance goes beyond what we can imagine.

Sometimes, the unexpected interruptions lead to the most significant miracles. Be open to the unexpected moments where miracles can unfold.

Choose compassion over convenience. Let love guide your decisions, even when it seems inconvenient.

Your little efforts can unleash a massive impact. Don’t underestimate what Jesus can do with what you have. Because, it’s not just about what you have; it’s about what we have together. Community and sharing amplify the impact of little.

When Jesus is involved, be ready for abundance. His blessing and breaking lead to overflow beyond your imagination. With Jesus, it’s not just enough; it’s more than enough. His abundance exceeds our expectations.