What can we learn about faith from the disciples' response in Matthew 14:17? The Scene in Matthew 14:17 “They said to Him, ‘We have here only five loaves and two fish.’” What the Words Reveal • A clear-eyed inventory of limitation: “only.” • An implied confession of inadequacy: human resources cannot meet divine assignments. • An unspoken invitation for Jesus to act: the need is laid before Him. Faith Lessons Drawn from the Disciples’ Reaction • Faith begins by acknowledging reality, not denying it. – cf. Romans 4:19: Abraham “considered his own body as good as dead.” • Faith refuses to let lack have the last word. – Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs.” • Faith grows when we hand our “only” to Christ. – John 6:11: Jesus receives the loaves and distributes. • Faith obeys before the miracle is visible. – Matthew 14:18: “Bring them here to Me.” • Faith expects the impossible from the One who commands. – Mark 10:27: “With God all things are possible.” Supporting Scriptures • Hebrews 11:1—faith sees the unseen. • 2 Corinthians 5:7—“we walk by faith, not by sight.” • Psalm 23:1—the Shepherd leaves no lack. Putting It Into Practice Today • Identify your “only”—what seems too small. • Place it, in prayer and obedience, into Jesus’ hands. • Act on His instruction even before increase appears. • Expect God’s sufficiency to overflow to others, just as twelve baskets remained (Matthew 14:20). |
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