Tuesday, June 24, 2014

John 6:12

When everyone has eaten their fill, Jesus tells his disciples, “Please collect the leftovers.  Don’t let anything go to waste.” John 6:12 EFP

It’s amazing to think over ten thousand people are fed with two fish and five loaves of bread.  It’s baffling to imagine how it all happens, just like that. But now it’s done, and all that remains is the cleanup and commentary.

The words “when they had all had enough to eat” are intriguing.  They must have been eating for a while.  Somehow they eat until they are full: a full first helping, a second helping for those who do not have much to eat at home; a third helping for those who want to hedge their bet in case there will be nothing to eat for some time.  There is enough!  No one is left wanting more.  Jesus provides sufficient to meet the need.  The parallels with the gracious gift of salvation is captivating.  Jesus anticipates their need.  Jesus sets in motion the plan to meet the need. They receive without cost.  They are gifted with enough to meet the need. 

There is no shortage of grace provided for my benefit.  Salvation is not given in measured portions.  In fact, the fact that Jesus asks the disciples to collect the leftovers confirms the words of Paul, “where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more.” (CSB)  There is more than enough grace to exceed my need for it.  That’s good news!

No comments: