Variety: Mark 6v41–44

‘Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men.’   Mark 6:41–44

Food shapes our daily routines. So it’s striking that one of Jesus’ most famous miracles is about a meal – the feeding of the 5,000.

It’s the only miracle apart from the resurrection that’s recorded in all four Gospels. Clearly, the writers thought this moment mattered. Why? Because it reveals something essential about Jesus, and something about us too.

The disciples had returned from a busy season of ministry. They were tired, hungry, and hoping for rest. But when the crowd tracked them down, Jesus didn’t send people away. He welcomed them. Mark tells us that he had ‘compassion’ on them (v34) – not just sympathy, but a visceral, emotional response. They were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus taught them, cared for them, and then, miraculously, fed them.

The disciples wanted to address the lack of food by dismissing the people. But Jesus turned the challenge back to them: ‘You give them something to eat.’ They protested that the task was impossible – until Jesus took what little food they had, gave thanks, and multiplied it into abundance. Everyone ate and was satisfied, with plenty left over.

So what does this mean for us, in the ordinary routines of work and life?

First, it reminds us that Jesus sees our hunger – physical, emotional, and spiritual. He doesn’t send us away. He welcomes us, teaches us, and feeds us. Juggling the demands of work and family can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. But Jesus offers more than just survival: he sustains us.

Second, this episode challenges us to see our own part in God’s provision. The disciples only had five loaves and two fish, but when they placed them in Jesus’ hands, they became enough. Likewise, in our workplaces, families, and communities, what we have might feel small – an encouraging word, a short prayer, a simple act of kindness. Yet Jesus can multiply it in ways we can’t imagine.

Finally, this miracle pushes us to trust. Do we believe that Jesus wants to give, not withhold? To fill, not drain? The feeding of the 5,000 proclaims a God of abundance who satisfies the hungry with good things.

So this week, whatever challenges you face at home or work, bring what you have to Jesus. He is the one who still feeds the hungry – and he will not let you go empty.

Paul Woolley