If you are in need of Jesus working a miracle, in need of energy and refreshment, this is the episode for you.

We’re diving into one of my absolute favorite stories from the Bible, and there’s just so much richness to draw from it. God has brought me a fresh message from this story several times over the past few months, and it has profoundly impacted my life. So, I just had to share it with you. We’re going to look at John 6:1-15, where Jesus feeds the 5,000. I’ll be sharing Karleigh’s Paraphrased Version, but please go read the real thing yourself. It’s essential to understand this firsthand.

Read the Word

Whether it’s KPV, Karleigh’s Paraphrased Version, or ESV or another translation, I believe everyone should read the Word for themselves. Don’t take my word as the gospel truth; go and study it on your own. This is just a starting point, and while I strive to be focused on God and share what the Holy Spirit leads me to share, I’m human and not infallible. I’m not a Bible scholar; I’m learning alongside you. Always go and do the work yourself and build your own relationship with Christ.

When we know the Word and it’s in our hearts, no one can distort it. The enemy can’t twist it. It’s vital to have that understanding directly from God. So, let’s dive in.

Here’s the Context

For context, the disciples had been sent out by Jesus to do His works. They’d been healing, saving, casting out demons, and they returned exhausted. They were so tired they forgot to eat. Jesus, seeing their exhaustion, invited them to rest. They thought they were going to get a break, some food, but instead, they were met by a multitude. Jesus, in His sovereignty, knew the multitude would be there, but the disciples were worn out, probably thinking, “Really? We’re so tired and now we have to deal with all these people?”

The 5,000 mentioned were just the men. With women and children included, scholars estimate it was between 12,000 to 20,000 people. Imagine being that tired and facing such a crowd! Now, let’s get to KPV.

Philip’s Doubt

Jesus asked Philip where they could buy bread to feed the people, and Philip was like, “We don’t have enough money to feed all these people.” Simon Peter noticed a boy with loaves and fishes and told Jesus, “We have some food, but it’s not enough.” But then, they put the food in Jesus’s hands, and everyone was fed.

Here’s what’s mind-blowing: a little goes a long way in Jesus’s hands. Peter had a small twinge of faith, just a mustard seed’s worth, and that was enough. Sometimes, we think we need massive amounts of faith, but even a tiny bit is sufficient when placed in Jesus’s hands. The miracle happens when we have even the smallest inkling that Jesus can do something.

Peter’s Faith

Philip didn’t even have the faith to look around; he just saw the impossibility. Peter, with just a sliver of faith, noticed the boy’s food and presented it to Jesus. Are you a Philip or a Peter? Do you give up before Jesus has a chance to move, or do you have just enough faith to put it in His hands? I strive to be like Peter, to have that little bit of faith and see what God can do with it.

The disciples were tired, hungry, and over it. Jesus blessed the food and gave it to the disciples, who then distributed it. The miracle happened in their baskets as they went out and fed the people. Their baskets never emptied until everyone was fed. The disciples took action, and the miracle continued because of their obedience.

Take Action

I often tell my business students that we need to take action with what God gives us. We can’t just sit and wait; we need to go and do the work. The disciples could have refused, but they acted, and the miracle unfolded. After everyone was satisfied, there were 12 baskets of leftovers, one for each disciple.

Y’all, this story blows my mind. Jesus’s miracle continued through the disciples’ hands. When we feel exhausted and over it, we need to remember that God’s miracle might be waiting for us to take action. We can’t miss it by quitting too soon.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is speaking to me right now, reminding me not to miss the miracle. Even when we’re tired, God can still work through us. He provides what we need to do His work, and the overflow is there for us too. Don’t miss the miracle because you’re tired. Keep going, keep trusting, and watch what God can do.

Let’s pray: Lord, thank You for Your Word and for showing us that we’re not done yet. Thank You for reminding us that there is still work to do and that You provide the strength we need. Replenish our hearts and give us the energy to continue Your work. Show us our multitudes and the miracles within them. Let us trust You and not miss what You have for us. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Whatever you’re holding, however small, it’s enough in His hands.

My Free Prayer Journal gives you space to bring your offering to God daily, reflect on His Word, and trust Him to multiply what you surrender.

Download it here and start where you are. He’ll take it from there.