The Boy

“Andrew said to Jesus, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, how is this possibly going to feed so many people?”

This is the most important verse of the entire account of the feeding of the five thousand. How could anyone possibly listen to Jesus speak and not be moved in their hearts to action? Feeding the poor, giving to those have less, not taking too much for yourself.

This boy, a boy mind you, was sitting with his father and uncles intently listening and then most likely overheard the conversations of the disciples with Jesus regarding their concern with feeding such a large group. Jesus, always aware, looks over at the boy with pure love and nods his head. What did Jesus see? The boy, a child, immediately understood they needed to share what they had so asks his father who tells him “yes, bring our food to Jesus,” with a loving pat on his head. The boy quickly runs over to one of the disciples with the food they brought, and when Jesus gives the instruction to break the loaves and fish into smaller pieces to share with the crowd, Jesus again looks at the boy who is now brimming over with joy. Jesus, the Rabbi, acknowledged him. He would never, ever forget the look Jesus gave him.

Jesus had provided a demonstration of his recent teaching. As soon as the food was shared the crowd of men began pulling food out of the baskets their wives had lovingly prepared for them and began sharing with those around them. It was a love feast initiated by a child who understood first.