What can we learn about faith from Jesus' command, "Bring them here to Me"? Setting the Scene Matthew 14:18: “ ‘Bring them here to Me,’ Jesus said.” The disciples have five loaves and two fish—plainly inadequate for thousands. Jesus’ command becomes a living lesson on faith. Faith Recognizes the Right Destination • Faith looks first to Christ, not to resources, strategies, or human calculations. • Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD…” • By directing the disciples to Him, Jesus makes clear that sufficiency is found in His hands alone. Faith Offers the Insufficient • The disciples bring the loaves and fish exactly as they are. • Faith is not embarrassed by smallness; it simply responds to Jesus’ invitation. • 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Our inadequacy is the stage for His power. Faith Expects Multiplication • Jesus never asks for what He will not use. • After obedience, He blesses, breaks, and multiplies (Matthew 14:19-20). • Ephesians 3:20: He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Faith anticipates divine increase. Faith Invites Participation • The disciples distribute the bread; they are not spectators. • Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” • Obedient faith becomes the channel through which God meets others’ needs. Faith Grows Through Obedience • Each step—bringing, distributing, gathering leftovers—reinforces trust. • Luke 17:5: “Increase our faith!” Growth comes by doing what He says, even when logic says it won’t work. Faith Inspires Worship and Witness • The crowd is fed, twelve baskets overflow, and Jesus’ glory is displayed (Matthew 14:20-21). • Psalm 40:3: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” • Faithful obedience not only meets needs but also draws others to glorify God. Putting It Into Practice • Identify the “loaves and fish” in your life—time, talents, resources. • Hear Jesus say, “Bring them here to Me.” • Place them deliberately in His hands. • Expect Him to multiply them for His purposes, and watch faith deepen as He does. |
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