Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 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.” Matthew 14:15-18
We have all heard the story of the feeding of the five thousand. How just a few fish and loaves were miraculously multiplied to fill the bellies of thousands of people. Jesus had been preaching all day to them, telling them parables, sharing how much God loved them and what the Kingdom was like.
But when it came time to meet their physical and practical needs, the disciples say, “Hey let them go fend for themselves.” Jesus’ reply? “You feed them. You take care of their needs. Preaching is one thing, but if you really care for them as I do, then feed my sheep.”
I think the same is true with us. More people are converted by a kind deed, a sympathetic ear, or food in their bellies than by sermons, quoting Scripture or spiritual instruction. Words are wonderful, but until we back up those words with action, the Gospel doesn’t really come alive, does it?
And, want to know the best thing of all? Jesus can take our tiny little actions and multiply them and magnify them with His glory. You may not think the little thing you can do means much. It is just one fish. But give it in obedience to Jesus and He will take it, bless it and do things with it that you could never in your wildest dreams imagine. He took just a few fish and fed thousands. With what you hand over to Him, He will do even more when you obediently place your offering of your time and work in His hands. He says, “Bring them here to me”, and like his disciples with those few fish, if you obey, miracles can happen.
