Matthew 14:1 - 15-20 Thoughts

I find it interesting how most of Jesus miracles were not done in the same way.  It was almost like Jesus was trying to make sure we couldn't find some secret formula or process to lead to God's work.  Yet, we often look for patterns and formulas, don't we.  If we just pray the right way, if we just have enough faith, if we... if we...  The problem with that kind of thinking is the focus is on WE, not Jesus.  God will do a work as He sees fit regardless.

However, the feeding of the five thousand, and later the four thousand is almost identical.  Both miracles follow the same pattern.  One one hand, I'm shocked that the disciples will later question Jesus ability to feed four thousand after seeing what He did with the five thousand.  But on the other hand, I often re-question God's provision in my life after He has shown Himself faithful over and over again.

This particular miracle follows a pattern:

1. A need is seen
2. A human solution is proposed
3. God proposes an alternate, impossible solution
4. We try to explain why this is impossible
5. God takes what we have; way too little, and makes something great
6. People are blessed
7. Disciples are blessed
8. We have more in the end than we started with at the beginning

I think Jesus did these two miracles the same way because it is truly a picture of ministry.   How often we stop at step 4 and don't give God a chance to do a miracle.

Oh God, I pray we can simply offer to you the things we have, the very things you've given to us and allow you to do a miracle.  In this way, You can receive all glory and honour.  Amen.