Here is a devotion to start your day!
Also available now at Power, Love & Miracles:
Hidden Heroes of the Bible: The Empty Tomb. Chapters 7-9
Joseph of Arimathea. The Bible Unplugged podcast, episode 71
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Hero: The Boy with Five Loaves and Two Fish
Offering small resources that Jesus multiplies
Scripture: John 6:1–13
There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many? Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples…
Reflection
In a crowd of five thousand men—plus women and children—one small boy steps forward with a lunch.
It’s not impressive: five barley loaves and two fish. It’s the kind of meal a poor family might pack. When Andrew mentions it to Jesus, he can’t help adding, “But what are these among so many?”
That’s the question you and I often ask: What is this little bit in the face of such a huge need?
The boy doesn’t try to solve the whole problem. He just opens his hands and gives what he has. No one could have imagined what Jesus would do with it.
Jesus takes the bread and fish, gives thanks, and starts breaking. Somehow, in His hands, the small becomes more than enough. Everyone eats until they are full. Twelve baskets of leftovers are gathered—more food at the end than was present at the beginning.
The miracle is in Jesus’ power. But it begins with a child’s open-handed trust.
You may feel like your contribution is too small to matter:
A short text of encouragement.
A small monthly gift.
An hour of volunteering.
A simple act of kindness.
A few minutes of listening.
On its own, it might not seem like much. But placed in the hands of Jesus, your “little” can feed more people than you will ever know.
Heroes are not defined by the size of their resources but by their willingness to offer them.
The boy teaches you this simple, brave prayer: “Jesus, here’s what I have. It’s not much. But it’s Yours.”
Centering Prayer
Jesus,
I bring you the ‘little lunch’ of my life today—my limited energy, time, and resources. You see the crowds and needs around me that feel overwhelming. Quiet my fear of scarcity. Teach me to open my hands, trust your heart, and offer what I have, believing you can multiply it as you choose. – Amen.”
Practice for Today
Name one small resource you have that could bless others today—an encouraging note, a short visit, a small gift, a shared skill. Offer it consciously to Jesus first, then share it.
Journaling Prompt
What “small lunches” am I holding onto because I’m afraid they won’t be enough? How might Jesus be inviting me to trust Him with them?
Closing Blessing
You may feel as if you only have a few loaves and fish.
Refuse to despise the smallness of your gifts.
Place what you have in Jesus’ care with open hands.
Trust Him to feed more people than you can imagine.
Pray as You Go
Breathe in: I offer my little...
Breathe out: ... You make it enough