They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:20-21
“In Calcutta, we cook for nine thousand people every day. One day a sister came and said, “Mother, there’s nothing to eat, nothing to give the people.” I had no answer. And then by nine o’clock that morning a truck full of bread came to our house.
The government gives a slice of bread and milk each day to the poor children at school. But that day — no one in the city knew why — all the schools were closed suddenly. And all the break came to Mother Teresa. See, God closed the schools.
He would not let our people go without food. And this was the first time in their lives, I think, that these people had such such good bread and so much of it. This way you can see the tenderness of God.”
Mother Teresa (1910-1997) in In the Heart of the World, ed. by Becky Benenate (New York: Fine Communications, 1997) 75-76.
When I read this story from Mother Teresa, I could not help but think how 5,000 hungry people ate and were satisfied in Bethsaida (Jewish territory) with 12 baskets leftover (sending a message that Jesus is enough for all Jews).
And then I pondered Jesus feeding 4,000 in the Decapolis region (Gentile territory) with seven baskets leftover (implying with the number of completeness that Jesus is enough for all peoples). Here’s where I landed.
Jesus did these miracles to show tenderness to specific audiences that He cares for them, both Jew and Gentile. But these miracles don’t tell us what Jesus did but what He does because He’s still alive and working miracles.
So when I read that 9,000 poor got bread on this day, my mind raced to the fact that Jesus Himself supplied that day for the poor. He cares about the poor and helps those who care about the poor.
What’s the lesson today? Serve the people God has called you to serve. Trust Him to supply and maybe sometimes to do miracles. Give thanks for His tender care. And celebrate that Jesus is enough for everyone. He’s all we need!
In the song, “O Holy Night” it says in one of the verses, “He knows our needs. To our weakness He’s no stranger.” Give thanks this Advent that Jesus is enough, that He knows our needs, and trust Him to supply and care for you.