Necessary Miracles

Matthew 14:16-20 ESV
“But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”  They said to Him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 

Then He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish,  He looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.”

In this miracle I see at least 7 divine purposes for this miracle.

(1) Jesus had compassion on the people and He wanted them to be fed and satisfied instead of them going without.

(2) He had been doing miracles and teaching all day and this miracle was for everyone collectively. Not just for the 5000 men but for the women and children as well, possibly 15,000 people collectively.

(3) The disciples were astounded because all they could see was how feeding this large of a crowd would have been a logistical nightmare.

(4) instead of Jesus snapping His fingers and miraculously food in a banquet table appeared, He took the loaves and the small fish and broke them with His hands and gave them to the disciples. It was personal to everyone and the disciples could see the ongoing miracle.

(5) The disciples took up 12 baskets of food leftover when the crowd ate and was satisfied. Again, this was an ongoing miracle.

(6) the Disciples could see that nothing with God is impossible. Jesus’s miracles are not conjured up, they are not a spectacle, not just a public display.

(7) His miracles are purpose driven, personal to us and personal to Jesus. The people needed to know Jesus cared, and He had great compassion. The disciples needed to remember He was not only capable, but He was also included them in the miracle and that would be a pattern for them in their ministries.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do,  John 14:12

Prayer:
Lord, I believe in You and I’m open, receptive, and available for You to use me!