Our Generous Giver

“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.” John 6:11

The Bible shines light on many reasons we have to give thanks. One such reason is because of the generosity of our Lord. His giving character is clearly seen in the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.

John 6:1-13 gives one account of this story. It appears that Jesus was in search of solitude when he noticed the crowds were still following him. In spite of the interruption, he set aside his need for rest and had compassion on them. The crowd wasn’t just a few people, but thousands who had gathered to hear Jesus’ teaching. The teaching went late into the day and food became a problem. They were far from town and the disciples questioned how they could possibly feed everyone. In verse 7, Phillip even pointed out that they didn’t have enough money to buy food.

Although the disciples were present when Jesus turned water to wine, the dilemma was overwhelming and they could see no solution. They felt trapped by their circumstances and the greatness of the need around them. When have you been overwhelmed by a situation or need? What area of life have you felt trapped with no solution? Whatever the situation, this story invites us to join the disciples in experiencing God’s generous heart and abundant provision.

Without enough money to buy food, in verses 8-9 Andrew offered all he could think of, a boy with a few loaves of bread and fish. The offering seemed way too small to make a difference, yet Jesus declared it wasn’t. Jesus accepted the food, and gave thanks to the Father. He gave thanks before the people had eaten, before the food was multiplied. Christ gave thanks for what he had and saw what it could be. Like Jesus, we are invited to give thanks because we know that God will give us just what we need. We give thanks for what God is doing and what he will do in our lives.

After his prayer Jesus had the disciples distribute the food. We don’t know exactly how the food was multiplied, except that every person had as much as they wanted to eat, and when they were finished there was food left over (verse 11). Not only did God provide, but his supply was extravagant. Jesus was generous in giving the people what they needed.

The same God that fed the 5,000 generously gives to us. He generously pours out his compassion and love on us and supplies for us in ways we couldn’t imagine. We can give thanks because our God is generous. He promises to work in our lives and provide in ways beyond what we could ask. Take a moment to reflect and thank God for his giving character. How has God provided beyond what you could have asked? In what area of need do you need to rely on your Lord’s generous provision?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your giving character and generosity toward us. We praise you for the ways that you provide when we can’t see an answer. We see your abundant love for us in every breath we take. Thank you for giving us more than we deserve, by sending your son to die for us. It is in his name that we pray, Amen.

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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