Topic: Bread of Life

Scripture:  11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves. (NIV) John 6:11-13

Observation:  The familiar story of Jesus feeding 5000 is in today's reading. It was an amazing miracle indeed feeding that many people starting with just 2 pieces of fish and 5 loaves of bread.  But what got me in the story was why collect the leftovers? I mean in our culture when we have left overs at home or at a party it is customary to just give it away. I mean would it really be wasted? What did they do with 12 baskets full of leftovers?  Not sure why I was thinking this, but this is what came to my mind.

Application: Coming from a foodservice background I also thought if the disciples themselves distributed this food to the 5000 people or did they have help.  Because that's alot of people to service with just 12 people.  And then to move throughout the crowd and collect the leftovers?  How big were these baskets they used to collect the food?  Where did the baskets come from? What made this 5000+ people (more than half of the population of Molokai) leave their homes (without food?) and track down Jesus?  Besides the logistical questions this morning, I believe curiosity got the best of most and a deeper desire to know more spiritually was tugging at the seams. Yes there were some that continued to follow Jesus hoping to get physically fed, but I believe most were spiritually hungry.  We must remember that the abundant life is only satisfied through the constant feeding of God's Word.  In fact later in the chapter in verse 48 Jesus tells us: " Yes, I am the bread of life!".

Prayer:  Good morning Lord, a few more questions than normal today but I believe all our questions will be answered one day.  I am thankful You are an abundant overflow of spiritual blessings to me more than I can contain.  Help me to continue to thirst and hunger for you each and every day.  You are truly faithful in all areas of my life, You have never failed to provide for my daily living, You have strengthened me in times of weakness, You have given me disciplines that will last a lifetime and still continue to, You have walked with me when times were tough, You have seen my weaknesses and yet were merciful and compassionate, You have given me the freedom to Praise and Worship you in song and dance, You have give me a new song to praise You because of your goodness, You have lifted my spirit with Your Living Word, You have shown me miracles happening in my family and loved ones, You have never left my side, You have blessed me with a beautiful wife and children, You have blessed me with a great family and parents, You have given me wisdom to impart to others to Glorify You, You have given me good health to go on serving You, You have given me rest when I was flustered and unsettled, You have shown me truth when I have strayed, You have defined perimeters in my life to protect me, You have replenished my soul when I felt I was in a desert, You have closed doors in my life and opened new ones, You have given me the courage to press on various areas even though I was afraid, You have opened opportunities for me to bless others because You have been a blessing to me.  All of this and more You have done......there is no earthly language that can encapsulate all of this in words....but just my heavenly language done in the spirit.....in Jesus Name I pray....Amen and Amen.