John 6:12-13 (NIVUK)
12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’ 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
Such is the extent of God’s provision that rather than there not being enough food for the crowd, there is too much! 12 basketfuls to be precise. We could reflect on the significance of the 12 baskets, is this a reference to the 12 Tribes of Israel, is Jesus enough for the whole of God’s people? Or is this an allusion to the fact that he is here for the Gentiles as well as for Israel, a second Twelve Tribes if you like? What caught me in reading this passage today, however, was Jesus’ concern that nothing should be wasted (12). We’re called to be good stewards of God’s gifts to us and to make the most of every opportunity. If you want a scriptural warrant for food banks, here it is.
Father, help us to make the most of your gifts to us, and not to overindulge, or to waste, but to share for the good of all.
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