Matthew 14:13-21
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
16Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
It’s a familiar story. But even in the most familiar stories, there can be unexpected findings. For example, this one. Here’s what leaped out at me this time through:
The disciples come to Jesus and say, “Send the crowds away so that they can get something to eat.”
Jesus says, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
C’mon, disciples… take it! Take the initiative. Jesus is giving you the chance to show your faith, to put it into action. But the disciples aren’t ready yet. They look around and say, “We only have these five loaves and two fish.”
Jesus, disappointed, says, “Bring them to me.” And he performs the miracle.