Loaves and Fishes Moments

If you have ever been responsible for a meal, and worried that you have enough food to meet the needs of your guests, you’ve found yourself in a “loaves and fishes” moment. This phrase is sometimes used when discussing how best to “stretch” resources, or accommodate the several guests who show up but failed to sign up!

It comes, of course, from Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the 5,000, a narrative found in Matthew 14:13-21. This will be our Scripture focus this coming Sunday at First Baptist – Columbus, as we continue our journey in Matthew.

So, what is the story about? Is it simply another “sign” of Jesus’ authority and divinity? Is is a story about compassion? About abundance in the face of scarcity? Is it a challenge Jesus presents his disciples (including us) to test their faith? Is it some of the above? All of the above?

How might the story anticipate the Last Supper? What are we to make of the 12 baskets that are left over? So many questions . . . . . so much to think about. You are invited to join me in preparation for our time with this text on Sunday as we consider what goes into a “loaves and fishes moment”.