Nothing Wasted
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer:
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 6:1-24 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:12-13
Meditatio (Meditation)
Today, we encounter a scene where Jesus performs one of His most remarkable miracles – feeding the five thousand. Picture this: A vast crowd had followed Jesus, eager to witness His miracles and hear His teachings. As evening approached, the disciples grew concerned about the hunger of the people. Yet, they could hardly fathom the solution Jesus proposed – feeding thousands with just five loaves of bread and two fish.
In the face of what seemed impossible, Jesus demonstrated His power. He took the meager offering, lifted it up to heaven, blessed it, and multiplied it abundantly. Everyone ate their fill with baskets of leftovers to spare. When the now satisfied crowd realized the significance of what had happened, they wanted to make Jesus their king, not just because of the free meal, but because they saw in Him the fulfillment of their deepest longings. Yet, Jesus knew their hearts. He withdrew to the mountains alone, recognizing that their desire for an earthly king missed the point entirely. He came not to establish an earthly kingdom but to offer Himself as the ultimate sustenance for our souls.
Take a moment to reflect on the words you have read. Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples. Feel the weight of responsibility as you realize the magnitude of the crowd's hunger. Consider the doubts and uncertainties that may have arisen in your mind as you assessed the meager resources available. Then, envision yourself as one of the people in the crowd. Experience the hunger pangs gnawing at your stomach, the fatigue of a long journey, and the hope stirred within you as Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the multitude.
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
A subtle yet powerful detail often goes unnoticed amidst the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish – a young boy offering his meager lunch of five barley loaves and two small fish. At first glance, this offering seems insignificant in the face of such a great need. But Jesus, always attentive to the heart behind the action, saw something extraordinary in the boy's gesture – childlike faith. He believed in the power of Jesus to do the impossible. The young boy didn't question whether his offering would be enough; he trusted Jesus to take care of the rest. How often do we approach our own challenges with a similar childlike trust in God's provision?
When we feel like we don’t have enough to offer or when we can’t provide for the needs before us, Jesus instructs us to surrender to Him all that we have with open hands. To trust the power of God with everything we have and watch with hopefulness at what He will do. Not to be afraid to bring to the Lord what others may say is not enough. Bring all that we have and surrender it to God, trusting He can do far greater things with it than we could do on our own.
Take a moment to express your gratitude to God for the ways He has provided for you in your own life. Acknowledge any doubts or fears you may have about His ability to meet your needs. Surrender those doubts to Him, asking for the faith to trust in His abundance. Consider how you can extend that trust to others who are in need around you.
Actio (Action)
In the hands of Jesus, the small offering became more than enough to feed the multitude. The boy's offering serves as a reminder that God can use even the smallest acts of obedience to accomplish His purposes. What may seem insignificant to us can become a catalyst for God's miraculous work in the world. The boy’s willingness to offer what little he had teaches us about generosity. Despite the apparent inadequacy of his provision, he offered it up without hesitation. In the same way, we are called to offer our resources, however limited they may seem, trusting that God can multiply them for His purposes. God invites us to hold everything with open hands, offering everything we have to the Lord, declaring, “Here, God, this is all I have, and it’s YOURS.”
Take a moment to reflect on the loaves and fish in your life that you could surrender to God. Are you holding too tightly to these things? What would it look like to live your life with open hands?
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Dear God, like the young boy who offered his meager lunch, may we come before You with open hearts and hands, willing to give what little we have. Strengthen our faith to trust in Your provision and power to multiply our offerings for Your glory. Help us to live generously, with childlike trust in Your ability to do the impossible in our lives and in the world. Amen.