What role does faith play in witnessing miracles like in Matthew 15:36? Setting the Scene Matthew 15:36: “And He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.” • A hungry crowd, seven loaves, a few small fish, and the Lord’s compassionate heart. • Nothing in the scene hints at sufficiency—except Jesus’ presence. Observations from Matthew 15:36 • Jesus receives what little is offered. • He gives thanks before the miracle is visible. • He hands the broken pieces to disciples, making them channels. • The disciples hand the bread to the crowd, acting on His word without seeing the end result. Faith on Display 1. Trust in Jesus’ Word • The disciples move from calculation (“Where could we get enough bread?” v. 33) to cooperation. • Faith is not mere optimism; it is reliance on the spoken command of the Son of God (Romans 10:17). 2. Gratitude that Anticipates Provision • Jesus gives thanks before multiplication occurs, modeling faith-filled expectation (John 11:41-42). 3. Obedient Participation • Faith expresses itself through action (James 2:17). • The disciples’ hands are the conduit; had they withheld participation, the crowd would have remained unfed. 4. Witness Through Multiplication • As bread passes from hand to hand, every disciple watches the impossible become reality. • Faith sees God’s supply grow while in motion, not while sitting still (Hebrews 11:8). Further Scriptural Echoes • Hebrews 11:1 – Faith apprehends what is not yet seen. • Mark 6:41 – A similar miracle underscores the pattern: thanks, breaking, distributing. • Acts 3:16 – “By faith in His name, this man whom you see and know was made strong.” The miracle is credited to faith in Jesus. • John 11:40 – “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” Belief precedes sight. Lessons for Today • Expectancy: Thank God before the answer manifests. • Availability: Offer what you have, however small, and watch Him enlarge it. • Partnership: Miracles often come through ordinary hands yielded in obedience. • Perspective: Faith looks beyond visible resources to the sufficiency of Christ (Philippians 4:19). Practical Takeaways • Begin with surrender—place limited resources in the Master’s hands. • Cultivate gratitude as an act of faith. • Step forward in obedience even when the outcome isn’t yet visible. • Remember that witnessing a miracle is seldom a spectator sport; it’s an invitation to participate in God’s work. |
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