The Boy With Fish and Loaves

Open Your Bible

John 6:1-14, John 6:22-40, 2 Kings 4:42-44, Matthew 5:6

On my birthday, my team at work went to lunch. After the burgers and fries, and while I sipped a delicious peanut butter milkshake, they asked me the annual “birthday questions”: What surprised you most this year? What was the hardest part of the year? The best? What did you learn about the Lord this year?

I’ve learned many things about the Lord this year, but when I surveyed the last 365 days, it was encouraging and humbling to see a silver thread, a theme woven throughout the choices and challenges my family had made and experienced in 2019. The thread? His provision. His bountiful, beautiful, magnificent provision. He made a way in every desert (Isaiah 43:19). Every valley had a way out, every mountain had a gentle slope down.

Jesus provides beautifully and bountifully in today’s story about the boy who had five loaves and two fishes. We discover very little about the boy from the text itself, just that he was young (anywhere from a child to a man in his twenties), and that he was likely poor because the bread is described as being made of barley, which was common to the poor. But there’s another interesting detail tucked in there: it was almost Passover (John 6:4)—the Jewish holiday and feast celebrating God’s provision as He delivered His people from Egypt, the manna and quail they feasted on in the desert, and the promised land they inherited.

Bread is a silver thread running through Scripture, a reminder of God’s provision: manna in the desert (Exodus 16), Elisha’s miracle (2 Kings 4), and the provision of wheat for Ruth (Ruth 2). This event with the boy’s bread and fish took place shortly before Passover, and afterward, Jesus taught that He was the bread of life, sent from heaven (John 6:35). “This is the work of God,” Jesus said, “that you believe in the one he has sent” (v.29).

A few chapters later, during Passover, Jesus and His disciples broke bread together (John 13). While John doesn’t record the conversation where Jesus blesses the bread and the wine and institutes the Lord’s supper, the other three Gospels do. Jesus, who had a short time before taught His disciples that He is the very bread of life, now broke a loaf, blessed it, and shared it with them.

And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them,
and said, “This is my body, which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

After He is risen, He provides again through bread. He walks the Emmaus Road with two disciples, who do not recognize Him, and they invite Him to stay with them that night. And “it was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him” (Luke 24:30–31). The disciples race to Jerusalem to find the rest of the disciples, describing “how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread” (v.35).

How many times throughout Scripture has God made Himself known through the breaking of bread? The Israelites, wandering through the desert with more manna than they could eat. Widowed Ruth’s overflowing baskets of wheat. Elisha’s miracle. A poor boy and his five loaves, multiplied to feed thousands.

Jesus is the bread of life, and He died on the cross in the ultimate act of bountiful and beautiful provision. And we, the communion of saints, have the privilege of sharing in that bread every time we partake in the Lord’s Supper. May Christ, our bread of life, always be made known through the breaking of the bread, the sign of God’s abundant provision to His people, throughout history and today.

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56 thoughts on "The Boy With Fish and Loaves"

  1. Ada McCloud says:

    Lord, help me recognize the bread, your provision in my life

  2. Alicia McCann says:

    Thank you Jesus that I never have to hunger or thirst that in you I can be satisfied

  3. Anastasia McLeod says:

    God has blessed me and my family with so many “leftovers” in this quarantine season it blows my mind. We’ll be able to buy a house, day-to-day finances haven’t been an issue, we’re able to put aside money for our son’s future schooling, we have so much extra time with him as quarantine has given me an “extended mat leave” and my husband is working from home. Our God is so good! He’s hasn’t given us an abundance of extra but exactly what we need

  4. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I pray that I would remember that God is my ultimate provider. He sustaining power and provision is everlasting. I pray that I would come to him to fill me up.

  5. Jessica Nicolas says:

    Wow…. Bread. So much to take in here. I’m looking forward to digging in more to the silver thread of bread! ♡

    1. Carol Burlew says:

      Yes! Exactly what I was thinking!

  6. Jennifer Sporin says:

    Just yesterday we were saying how nice it would be if vegetables tasted like bread! Why IS bread so delicious – in all it’s forms?! Every people group eats bread everywhere in the earth – a staple of daily life. What an amazing picture Jesus gives to us a the TRUE bread of life, one where we will never be hungry again! We are not waiting for this incredibly satisfying bread, it is here now in the person the Jesus Christ. If only we would believe!! An not just for salvation, but for all things that we struggle in!!

  7. Courtney says:

    The boy gave all he had, but Jesus was able to feed the whole crowd with it. When we give all we have, even if it seems insignificant in our eyes, God can use it in a mighty way to glorify His kingdom. We may not see exactly how He uses us, but we must trust that when we are all in, He is using us to “feed” the whole world in His plan of redemption. Lord, help me remember when I feel that I am not enough, that even the smallest of things can be used for Your glory!

  8. Churchmouse says:

    Kirstyn, praying to our God of all comfort that He would blanket you with His presence. And Dorothy, I’m praying that this move is but the beginning of God pouring out abundant blessings on you and your family.

    Kirstyn and Dorothy, what an example you both are of standing strong in the storm. You hold onto the anchor of your hope and you don’t let go. God will surely reward.

  9. Angie says:

    Dorothy, thank you for the idea of the sprinkle yesterday…I am going to do that. I also heard on the radio today about how people in senior care facilities are really struggling with the continued quarantine and thought, maybe they are the ones who need the sprinkle. Sprinkle a little of Jesus…that could be really fun!

    Kristyn W., I am sorry, so sorry…and praying.

    The poem written by Pamela (I think) – beautiful! Thank you for sharing it.

  10. Angie says:

    My husband is a fan of soft white bread, I like the dense kind with seeds and nuts. He likes to slather on the jelly, I cover mine with pure butter.

    Bread and water make me think of a prisoner’s rations. Just the bare minimum to sustain life. And yet, with our God, it is exactly the opposite.

    Jesus is the Bread of Life. He sustains eternally. He fills and fulfills exactly as needed. Whether in the soft white slathered in jelly moments, or dense sprouted grains pressed into with butter – He is exactly what we need.

    He is the Bread, torn apart and broken, to mend the heart of our lost souls. He is the Living Water quenching our thirsty, parched souls for eternity.

    The Bread of Life and Living Water are not prisoner’s rations…they are the feast of a child of the King. They are our banquet table, in Jesus Christ.

    We are blessed!

  11. Desiree says:

    Kirstyn,

    I am so sorry for your loss. May Jesus keep holding you and your family as close as He has been.❤❤

  12. Dorothy says:

    Kristyn W. one of the writers for SRT, Maria Furlough, has also lost a child, I believe in a similar way. She has a website and newsletters you might be interested in. I’ll be praying for you. I’ve lost a child but not in that way, my son was 18 years old when he died.
    On a brighter note, happy birthday Nora. May God grant you many more and keep you healthy.

  13. ADB says:

    Praying for you and your family Kirstyn.

  14. Mikki says:

    What struck me today was the repetition of “leftovers” in John 6:13 and 2 Kings 4:43-44.

    Jesus provides us with everything we need and THEN he still provides us with some wonderful extras like love, joy, and happiness on top of everything he provides already. His love is amazing ❤️

  15. PAMELA WILLIAMS says:

    Kirstyn Wright, I, too, have six children ( all grown) and never experienced the loss of a child. But my oldest son and daughter-in-law lost a baby years ago. She too had to go to the hospital to deliver her baby. I sat in the waiting room for hours and prayed. After it was over, I drove home in the wee hours. The song “Fly to Jesus” was on in the car radio, and when I got home, the Lord inspired me to write this poem (I am not a poet), which He has used to comfort other moms. Praying for you and your sweet family. “For My Grandchild”
    August 19, 2004
    By
    Grammy Pam

    Sweet, sweet Baby, fly to Jesus
    As He whisks you from this earth.
    Times of life all interwoven:
    Time of death and time of birth.

    Never knowing life’s sad struggles,
    Only mommy’s warmest shroud.
    Jesus came and gently took you
    Far above the longing crowd.

    We are sad, but you are happy,
    Cuddled in His loving care,
    Evermore to be with Jesus,
    Waiting for your family there.

  16. Dorothy says:

    I never realized there were so many reference in such a short area of the Bible to Jesus being the “Bread of Life”. I had to highlight them. I remember so well the story of the fishes and the loaves but the other part of the scripture in John I don’t remember hearing much. I am so glad it was covered and put in the devotion. Melanie does such a good job in today’s devotion talking about Jesus and “Bread of Life”, she makes me want to shout it from the mountain tops — but in Kansas there are no mountains (LOL). God thank you for sending Your Son, the Bread of Life and having Him lay down His life so I/we may have eternal life. Amen.

  17. Diana Fleenor says:

    KIRSTYN WRIGHT: I pray with others that the Lord be near and a great comfort to you and your family in this time of deep loss. And I also am so grateful to the Lord for the faith you’ve expressed in his faithfulness in the midst of what can bring confusion and doubt. I pray he continues to sustain and grow this good faith he has already given you!

  18. Meredith Ashley says:

    Kirstyn W. – your trust in the Lord during this time of heartache is altogether beautiful. Prayers for you and your family.

  19. Melinda says:

    ❤️

  20. Donna Wolcott says:

    Dear Kirstyn, keeping you and your family in prayers. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time.

  21. Mari V says:

    My God has proven Himself faithful whether it’s been physical as far as food goes or just knowing and the assurance that HE walks with you and I.

  22. Beth says:

    Dear Kirstyn, so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be praying for you. I know your hurt and grief we lost our first baby at full term back many years ago. May the Lord be very near and a great comfort to you.

  23. Rebekah C says:

    I love in this story how Jesus took so little and did so much with it.

    How often we feel what we do and what we have is not enough, and yet God is faithful in turning so little into a great deal. It’s not what we have done but His grace and mercy to take the humble things we have and make them so much more.

    1. Jennifer Martin says:

      ♥️

    2. Jennifer Anapol says:

      I love this insight! Thanks for sharing!❤️

  24. Jane K says:

    Happy birthday Nora!

  25. Oluseyi Adediran says:

    Happy Birthday!

  26. CeeGee says:

    KIRSTYN You and your family are in my prayers today and in the days ahead! May you feel His comfort and strength even in this difficult journey. Hugs and love!

  27. CeeGee says:

    John 6:26 stood out to me today. Jesus called the people out on why they were ‘seeking Him.’ A reminder that my ‘seeking Him’ should be about a relationship with Him for eternity and not about what He provides for my earthly needs. I need that reminder especially in these trying days.

    MELANIE – this is one of the most beautiful writings I have seen on SRT!
    NORA, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and may God bless you in the year ahead!

  28. Kirstyn Wright says:

    This concept has been so present to me lately. I posted a few weeks ago that I’m pregnant with a little boy that the doctors give no chance for. Well, yesterday, we found out he has gone to be with Jesus. I’m 25 weeks pregnant and now I will go to the hospital tomorrow to give birth to him. Of course, this is devastating, but God has been so very gracious to me during this entire pregnancy. I feel closer to His heart than ever before. Please pray for my husband and I (and our 6 other kids) this week.
    It’s in the giving thanks coupled with the breaking of the bread where the miracle occurs. I’ve been reading “The Broken Way” by Ann Voscamp, and it’s all about this. Jesus IS the bread, broken for us. When we are broken, and can give thanks in our brokenness, we are close to His heart.

    1. Kerry Rowley says:

      I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray for God’s comfort to surround your family.

    2. Laura Allred says:

      Praying for you and your family.

    3. Wynette Hammer says:

      God be with you

    4. Lauren Gehr says:

      Praying for you in this time of loss—May God bless you with his sweet peace, that you be wrapped in the arms of our Savior.

    5. Susie Glaze says:

      I’m so sorry. I’m praying for you and your family.

    6. Melissa Graves says:

      So true, Kirstyn. Beauty for ashes.

    7. Natasha R says:

      I’m praying for you and sending you a virtual hug. I also pray that you have a safe delivery.

    8. Linda G says:

      Kirsten, I feel for you. I lost my first son at full term when he was just shy of two days old. Devastating is the word, for sure. Praying Jesus is close to you and your family during this season of grief.

  29. Jane says:

    The readings from yesterday and today brought to mind one of my favorite passages of scripture. Thank You, God for Your invitation to come and be satisfied!
    “”Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.”
    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:1-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬
    https://www.bible.com/59/isa.55.1-3.esv

    1. Martha Echandy says:

      Amen!

  30. Anne Jones says:

    We are called to walk in faith and to do so faithfully. Every day, through every circumstance. May our eyes be open to see what it is that He provides. May we be grateful……Thank you Churcmouse. This is my prayer today!!

  31. NanaK says:

    Happy Birthday Nora!
    “JESUS is the Bread of Life, and HE died on the cross in the ultimate act of bountiful and beautiful provision.” May I live my life so that others may see this beautiful truth!

  32. Liz A says:

    I have to be honest this one is a hard one to remember these days with everything going on in our world. I am reminded that God is the bread of life. He gives us EVERYTHING we need to make it through the valleys of life…in his timing we will make it through the valleys. The “in his timing” is the hard part isn’t it? Especially, during these unprecedented times. I pray that God fills us all with his strength to make it through these hard times

  33. Denise N says:

    Happy Birthday Nora!!! May today be filled with love and laughter!!

  34. Diana DiazRodriguez says:

    Jehovah Jireh our Provider!

  35. Lisa Z says:

    Happy birthday, Nora!
    Yes, Churchmouse, may our eyes be open to see His provisions! He is such a great daddy who always provides. May we celebrate His bountiful gifts, even with a mask from 6 feet apart if necessary. Thank You Lord for Your magnificent provision.

  36. Lizzie T says:

    Happy birthday!

  37. Lizzie says:

    Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.”
    “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
    You are true, you keep your promises and you are with me. I love you thank you for loving me and preparing for me a place and gift I do not desrve. For being in me. I am yours.

  38. Churchmouse says:

    Manna got its name because it was so surprising, so unusual. When it fell from heaven, the Israelites called out “Manna!“ which means “What is it?” How often, in the midst of my crying out, have I wondered “What is it that the Lord will do to help me?” In a difficult circumstance, I know that He can and I know that He will make a way through. I don’t know what His provision will look like nor when it will appear. Sometimes I don’t even recognize it until after the fact. Even the withholding can be His provision, when He knows what I’m asking for is not for my good. Oh, dear friends, we are called to trust that in all things He is our Provision. We are called to walk in faith and to do so faithfully. Every day, through every circumstance. May our eyes be open to see what it is that He provides. May we be grateful.

    1. Andrea D says:

      ❤️ Amen!

    2. Dara Tysver says:

      ♥️Beautifully put. Thank you for your sweet perspective.

    3. Jennifer Martin says:

      ♥️

  39. Blessed Beth says:

    I am so thankful to our Lord for His sacrifice for all of us, oh how I miss communion with my church family in our simple little church. I am so thankful that He came one and for all so that the day will come for all of us to be together forever. Simply amazing.

  40. Kristen says:

    Amen! May Christ, our bread of life, always be made known through the breaking of the bread, the sign of God’s abundant provision to His people, throughout history and today.

    A great reminder;
    “But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.””
    ‭‭John‬ ‭6:27‬ ‭NLT‬‬
    https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.6.27.nlt
    Thank You, Jesus for being the bread of life, and for dying on the cross in the ultimate act of bountiful and beautiful provision. We owe all to You. May I never take the Cross lightly. Amen

  41. MARTHA HIX says:

    ❤️