Provision, Generosity, and Stewardship

 

After everyone had eaten all they wanted, Jesus' disciples picked up twelve large baskets of leftovers.
Matthew‬ ‭14:20‬ ‭CEV‬‬

This verse describes the miraculous event of Jesus feeding a large crowd of people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. The verse emphasizes the abundance and generosity of God's provision, as well as the responsibility and stewardship of the disciples.

The context of the verse is that Jesus had just heard the news of John the Baptist's death, and he wanted to withdraw to a solitary place to mourn.

However, when he saw the crowds following him, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

As evening approached, the disciples suggested that Jesus send the people away to buy food for themselves. But Jesus said, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." (Matthew 14:16)

The disciples were astonished and said, "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish." (Matthew 14:17) Jesus asked them to bring the food to him, and he instructed the people to sit down on the grass.

He took the bread and the fish, gave thanks to God, and broke them. He then gave them to the disciples, who distributed them to the people.

Everyone ate and was satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve large baskets of leftovers. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 14:18-21)

The verse Matthew 14:20 reveals several important truths about God and his kingdom.

First, it shows that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)

He can multiply the little that we have and make it sufficient for our needs and the needs of others.

He can turn our scarcity into abundance, and our lack into plenty. He is the God of miracles, who can create something out of nothing, and who can provide for us in unexpected ways.

Second, it shows that God is generous and lavish in his giving.

He does not just meet our needs, but he exceeds them. He does not just give us enough, but he gives us more than enough. He does not just fill us, but he satisfies us. He does not just bless us, but he overflows us.

He is the God of grace, who gives us good things that we do not deserve, and who delights in our joy and gratitude.

Third, it shows that God entrusts us with his resources and expects us to use them wisely and faithfully.

He does not give us everything directly, but he gives us through his servants, the disciples. He does not let us waste anything, but he asks us to collect the leftovers. He does not allow us to be selfish, but he calls us to share with others.

He is the God of stewardship, who gives us talents and gifts to serve him and his people, and who will hold us accountable for how we manage what he has given us.

In conclusion, the verse Matthew 14:20 is a powerful testimony of God's miraculous provision, generosity, and stewardship. It challenges us to trust him with what we have, to thank him for what he gives, and to use it for his glory and his kingdom.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for your amazing love and power that you have shown us through the miracle of feeding the five thousand.

Thank you for providing for our every need, and for giving us more than we can ask or imagine.

Thank you for entrusting us with your resources, and for calling us to be your faithful stewards.

We confess that sometimes we doubt your ability and willingness to meet our needs. We confess that sometimes we are ungrateful and wasteful of your gifts. We confess that sometimes we are selfish and greedy with your blessings.

Forgive us, Lord, and help us to trust you, thank you, and use what you have given us for your glory and your kingdom.

We pray that you would continue to multiply the little that we have, and make it sufficient for ourselves and others. We pray that you would fill us with your joy and satisfaction, and overflow us with your grace and generosity. We pray that you would empower us to serve you and your people with the talents and gifts that you have given us, and to be accountable for how we manage them.

We ask all these things in the name of Jesus, who is the bread of life and the source of all our provision.

Amen.
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