How Many Loaves?
How many loaves do you have? Jesus asked His disciples that question one day. The significance of the inquiry is understood only in its context. Matthew 15:32-38 tells us that “the multitude” continued with Jesus for three days, and nobody had eaten during that time. In His compassion, the Lord wanted them fed before journeying home.
Several facts are important to be aware of regarding this event. First, the multitude consisted of four thousand men (plus women and children), v. 38. Second, they were in the wilderness, far from the nearest source of food, v. 33. Third, they probably didn’t have the money to buy enough bread, anyway. Remember the feeding of the five thousand in the previous chapter? In John’s account, Philip informed Jesus of the situation: “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” (John 6:7) The ministry purse wasn’t big enough to provide for such a large group. Didn’t Jesus know that? Did He really expect His disciples to produce enough food for more than four thousand people? John again gives the necessary insight: “But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.” (John 6:6) Jesus was fully aware of the lack of resources among the disciples. However, there were plenty of provisions available through the supply of God’s power. This is the point of the question, “How many loaves do you have?” The Lord wants His followers to look in the right direction when they find themselves in a place of need. Our natural inclination is to look around and ask, “Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?” (Matthew 15:33) Our response should rather be to ask, “Lord, will you please provide what is necessary to meet this need?” And give the seven loaves (and the two fish), realizing it is not enough.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.