John 6:8-11 (NIVUK)
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’
10 Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 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.
I’m intrigued by Andrew’s response to Jesus’ question. Whereas Philip saw what they hadn’t got, enough money to pay for the amount of bread that might be needed, Andrew looks at the resources they have got, the five loaves and two fish. His vision is still restricted, his experience and worldview says that this is not enough. It takes Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to see beyond these meagre resources, to see what was possible with the power of prayer.
Father, help us to see beyond what we can do to what you can do.
Leave a Reply