Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish (John 6: 11).

A couple years ago, when we got enough snow in North Carolina to build a snowman, I really impressed my kids.  They were busy trying to pack and stack snow as I started rolling a small snowball in my hands. Then I started rolling it through the snow, and it got bigger and bigger.  Eventually it was too big to push, but it became an excellent bottom for an impressive snowman! 

The kids could not believe that a giant snowman started by rolling a small bit of snow in my hands. To them it was a miracle.  But my past experiences had taught me that a small snowball was a great start to a giant snowman.

When I read about how Jesus fed the five thousand, I see how He’s not just performing a miracle. He’s giving us a blueprint for how small actions and few resources can lead to wonderful outcomes.  When Jesus saw the multitude approaching, He questioned his disciples about what they should do, even though Jesus already knew how He was going to handle the situation.  Philip did the math, noting how incredibly expensive feeding the crowd would be. And Andrew was very practical, pointing out how little food they had to distribute.  Both were essentially saying that they recognized the need, but also knew there was no way they’d be able to help.

What Jesus didn’t do was just as important as what he did.  As God, he could have snapped his fingers and made hot meals drop into the laps of everyone.  But he didn’t.  He gathered up what resources the disciples put before Him, and He multiplied them.  Not only did He create enough to feed the people “as much as they wanted”, but there was also food left over; twelve baskets full!  With what few resources they had, Jesus provided, and He provided more than enough.

It reminds us that Jesus is still active in the world today, providing for the needs of multitudes.  But He’s not doing it with the snap of his fingers. He’s doing it with us and through us.  We may feel at times like our resources aren’t enough to make a difference. But when we put what we have before Jesus, He is the One who multiplies what we have to offer so that each action we take in His name, big or small, can bring His goodness into the world!

The act of rolling a small snowball into a giant snowman wowed and amazed my kids. What’s something small that you’ve been rolling around in your hands?  What could you offer up to Jesus to be multiplied through Him to create something amazing where you are?

If you’d like to read or re-read the overview/summary of this week’s passage, you can find it here.