Watchman: Daily Devotional, First He Challenged His Disciples to Feed Them. He Was Pointing Out Man’s Inability. In the Gospel of John, Philip Calculated What It Would Cost Eight Months Wages to Feed the Crowd. There Were 5000 Men Plus Women and Children. A Little Boy Brought Five Loaves and Two Fish to the Disciples

Jesus and his disciples were tired and wanted to get away from the crowds, but the crowds found them. All of the sick people who were brought to Jesus were healed. He cared that they needed to eat. Jesus cares about the things we need to live.

First, He told His followers that they had to feed them. He was showing how bad a man was. In the Gospel of John, Philip figured out that feeding the crowd would cost eight months' worth of wages. There were 5,000 men, along with women and kids. A little boy brought the disciples five loaves of bread and two fish. They told Jesus that they were running out of food. Then Jesus tells us what to do about how bad we are. He said, "Bring them here to me." What we give Jesus, even if it's not much, can grow because He is God. It is good for us to be aware of how weak we are and how strong God is.

Everyone had enough to eat, and there was even enough food left over to fill 12 baskets. In 2 Kings 4:42–44, the Bible talks about a miracle that is similar to this one. This group was full of Jews. At first, there were twelve groups of Jews. The 12 baskets could be all the food and supplies that Israel needs. When Jesus does this miracle again, there will be 4000 Gentiles, and there will be 7 baskets full of food left over. Some scholars think that the seven baskets represent the seven nations of the Gentiles. We could also look at it as the number of perfection, since it meets the needs of the whole world (Mark 8:19–21). Jesus is more than enough for everyone, whether they are Jewish or not.

Because we walk by faith, not by sight, or better, not by what we see. It seems almost sad to change the words of a well-known and beloved text, but the word translated as "sight" has nothing to do with the ability to see. Instead, it always refers to the shape and style of what is seen. (Comp. Luke 3:22; Luke 9:29; John 5:37.) The fact is taken for granted, and it shows that we are not with the Lord as we are. Now, we believe in Him even though we haven't seen Him. In the end, we'll see Him in person. We live, act, and "walk" in this world based on what we believe about things we can't see.

Remember: Just bring what He has given you and put it in His hands. He will make as much as is needed.