Offering Our Gifts. In today’s devotional for July 28, we will explore the profound lessons from John 6:1-15, where Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish.
Daily Devotional for July 28
“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” – John 6:11 (NIV)
Offering Our Gifts
In John 6:1-15, we read about Jesus feeding a multitude with a boy’s simple lunch of five loaves and two fish. This miracle is not just about the supernatural act of multiplication but also about the importance of offering what we have, no matter how small it may seem.
The Miracle of Sharing
When Jesus tells His disciples, “You give them something to eat yourselves,” they must have thought He was joking.
With such meager resources, it seemed impossible to feed thousands. However, Jesus took what little they had, gave thanks, and distributed it. The result was not only enough to feed everyone but also an abundance left over.
This story teaches us that God can take our small offerings and multiply them beyond our imagination.
Avoiding Excuses
It’s easy to make excuses about why we can’t contribute. We might think we don’t have enough time, resources, or knowledge. However, this gospel passage challenges us to offer whatever we have, trusting that God will multiply it.
Our financial resources, talents, and holiness may seem inadequate, but God commands us to offer them anyway, trusting in His power to multiply.
Examples of Faith
Consider how God multiplied Mother Teresa’s efforts. She began her ministry with nothing but faith and compassion, and her small acts of kindness grew into a worldwide mission.
Imagine if Peter had not reconsidered after saying, “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8).
The apostles could have kept the loaves and fish for themselves, but instead, they offered them to Jesus, and He worked a miracle.
The Eucharist
This miracle story also points us to the Eucharist. We bring the ordinary work of our hands, bread, and wine, and through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, they are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.
This transformation empowers us to go out and feed the world, both physically and spiritually.
The Power of Transformation
The multiplication of the loaves and fish is a supernatural marvel that illustrates the power of God’s transformation. If we were to truly understand and embrace the miraculous power contained in the Eucharist, we, the Church, and the world would be forever changed.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the power of offering our gifts, no matter how small they may seem. Please, help us trust Your ability to multiply our efforts and resources. Teach us to avoid making excuses and to have faith that You can use us to accomplish great things. Transform our ordinary lives into testimonies of Your extraordinary grace and power. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
To You
Reflect on the gifts and resources you have. Are you offering them to God, trusting that He can multiply them? How can you step out in faith today and offer what you have, believing that God will use it for His glory?
My brother, remember that even your smallest offerings can be used mightily by God. Trust in His power to multiply and transform your gifts, and be a blessing to those around you. Amen.
