Digging Deeper – The Boy Who Gave Up His Lunch

John’s Gospel is the only account to mention that the five loaves and two fish Jesus multiplied were provided by a young boy—a detail not in contradiction, but one of added distinction (the other accounts simply do not disclose the origin of the food). In verse 9, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, says, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish.” Of course, we are not privy to the negotiation that took place between the disciples and the boy, but one can only imagine that the miracle was initiated with a charitable spirit on his part. The boy was willing to part with his food.

The story brings me back to a day when I was shopping with my 9-year-old son. As we walked through the toy aisle, he was contemplating buying something with his own money but vacillating on whether or not to do it. Knowing that he is generally conservative with his spending, I encouraged him—just this once—to go ahead and buy it. Suddenly, worry crept in, and he confessed that he wanted to, but didn’t want to lose his money. I recall telling him, “That money came from me, and I’m capable of giving you more.”

Now, I have found on more than one occasion that the Lord activates the principles of His Word in the parenting relationship with my children. Instantly, I was struck with deep conviction. My son cheerfully grabbed his toy, while I stood recovering from the existential moment in the aisle of Wal-Mart. Lesson learned.

Today, remember the boy who gave up his lunch in John 6. Not only did 5,000 people eat “as much as they wanted” (v. 11), but there were twelve baskets of food left over. Maybe it’s time we give the Lord our resources—whatever they may be—and let Him put them to work to do immeasurably more than they are currently doing.