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Jesus Makes Sufficient What is Deficient

In the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus receives from a little lad five barley loaves and two fish. The lad’s contribution is significant and was not rejected by Jesus. He gladly received the offering and then proceeded to take what was inadequate and deficient and multiplied it. This miracle is of such significance that all four gospels record it. Here is an excerpt from John’s Gospel: “Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.” (John 6:11) In the sermon, I used the word deficient, and it was that. Regarding the present need of the crowd, it was not only not enough, but woefully inadequate. But “deficient” is the term I have applied. It was never a term used by Jesus. Rather, he simply receives it and subsequently performs the miracle. Please don’t miss this. What I mean to say is, offer to Jesus what you have, knowing that he will receive it without belittling criticism, and he will make it sufficient. What a wonderful provider is the Lord Jesus!

One last thing about the little lad, what happened to his loaves and fish? The Bible tells us that Jesus ordered that all the people sit down. The Gospel of Mark informs us of the details of his command and the logistics required to distribute the loaves and fishes, “Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.” (Mark 6:39-40) My question is, do you think the little lad was included in the group that was ordered to sit down? Or to put it another way, did the boy receive back even more than he surrendered to the Lord? The answer is certainly “yes” as all those who were present ate until they had their fill. Today, go forward confidently, knowing that whatever you surrender to the Lord will ultimately lead to great satisfaction as you look to Him for a return. Have a blessed week and we will see most of you on Sunday.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Dale