In John’s gospel we can read about one of Jesus’ miracles when he fed 5,000 people. In reality, there was probably a greater number that dined as some scholars note that women and children may not have been included in the count. No matter where you fall on either side of the number, the miracle is of great significance considering the measure of basic groceries He worked with to accomplish serving an extraordinary meal! 

It was Jesus’ disciples who were given the task of finding food for the large crowd. Can you imagine their dismay or astonishment that the huge undertaking was given to them in such a casual manner?

“Where will we buy bread for the people to eat?” is the question Jesus posed to Philip. I’m sure he shrugged his shoulders while going directly to common sense for his response.  “We don’t have enough money”…even pointing out how long it would take to earn wages sufficient for  purchasing bread. Along comes Andrew. He’s got a solution. Perhaps he’s been out scanning the crowd looking for “anything” that might be considered an evening meal. He’s found a boy who has five small loaves of barley bread and two fish. Hardly enough to feed an entire family let alone a multitude.

Giving further instructions, Jesus has all the people sit down. The bread and fish are then blessed, the miracle of increase happens and thousands of bellies are satisfied. A little boy’s dinner–under discovery by Andrew and miraculous touch by Jesus–has saved the day. This miracle stirs the people to begin believing that Jesus “is the Prophet who has come into the world”.

What about our little boy? Other than reading it was he who had a small meal with him, no further mention is made after surrendering his bread and fish. Was he alone that day? Did his parents stay behind at home while he ventured off to join thousands on a mountainside to listen to Jesus? By now in his young life, he too had heard about “this Jesus” and wanted to witness for himself Jesus’ teachings and ability to heal people. In preparation for a long day, his mother packed him a “lunch”. 

Years ago I was returning home after spending a week in San Jose with a close friend. Because we both knew that airport food can be expensive, she packed me a light lunch which consisted of a peanut butter and jam sandwich. I think I had an apple, too. Regardless, the sandwich would suffice to tie me over until arriving in Detroit.

Seated next to me was an Asian man. We exchanged smiles and an attempt to converse with him proved cumbersome as I quickly realized his limited command of the English language. I was able to understand that he was traveling “home” to attend his father’s funeral. Of course, I offered my condolences, returning to sitting quietly. Until my stomach began to growl and the anticipation of enjoying my sandwich grew.

I opened my lunch bag, took out my sandwich. My seatmate was looking out the window. His countenance was one of sadness and waiting. I tapped his arm gently and asked “would you like half of my sandwich?” I figured if I was hungry, surely he was as well. Smiling and nodding his head as a courtesy, he accepted my small offer.

I wasn’t looking for my small lunch to “miracuously” increase. Rather, I hoped that by sharing a small meal with someone from another culture, one who was grieving as any person would do under similar circumstances, that in our few hours together  simple kindness would cross language barriers and in turn create a lasting memory to cherish. I know for me it did.

Jesus’ miracle of feeding over 5,000 people didn’t merely end with full bellies. In fact, the food He blessed produced leftovers! Enough to fill 12 baskets! I think it’s significant that each disciple had a basket to gather the leftovers…maybe Jesus’ attempt at a bit of humor to prove a point regarding trust and provision.

Sharing my peanut butter and jam sandwich didn’t leave any crumbs. All I had to show for that afternoon was an empty baggie and brown paper bag. The plane landed. I had given the flight attendant my empty “trash”. My seatmate and I disembarked but not before sharing more smiles and him nodding as a “gesture of appreciation” to me. 

Kindness and generosity can be extended to over 5,000 people. And, it can also be offered to one. One little boy’s surrender helped produce a miracle for many. I’m pretty sure when he returned home that evening he had a lot to tell his parents!