Leading The Way - Devotional for July 4
July 4, 2025
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read John 6:1-15.
The number-one cause of worry and anxiety in our culture is fear of the future: What will tomorrow bring? No amount of wealth or resources can alleviate the unknown. Perhaps you’ve found yourself worrying about what the future holds, anxious about what might happen to you or your family. If so, then today you can rest in the proof, the powerful sign, that Jesus is the great provider. You can have peace in His perfect, loving provision.
In John 6, we find Jesus at the height of His popularity. Wherever He went, He attracted large crowds, which would often follow Him. On one occasion, they followed Him to a remote place. As the disciples looked at the masses of people, they began to panic because they knew it would soon be time to eat, and they had nothing to feed such an immense crowd.
The level of our anxiety and worry depends on how we view ourselves. We can see ourselves either as manufacturers—in which case everything depends on us and if we don’t get it done, it won’t be done—or as distributors—in which case we simply pass along that which is given to us. If you see yourself as a distributor, you will have peace in situations that would cause others to panic. Jesus was taking this opportunity to show His disciples and us today that we are only distributors. You see, Jesus “already had in mind what he was going to do” (John 6:6). He was going to reveal that He is Jehovah Jireh—God our Provider.
Our Savior said to His disciples, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (v. 5). Distraught, Philip replied, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bead for each one to have a bite!” (v. 7). Like many in the church today, Philip discounted the supernatural. Although he had been traveling with Jesus and had seen Him heal the sick, cast out demons, and perform many miracles, he couldn’t imagine how Jesus could solve this problem. He was focused on the practical. But of course, the Lord is not limited by what’s practical.
Then there was Andrew—cautiously optimistic. He brought Jesus a young boy who had five loaves of bread and two small fish to share. But even in his optimism he second-guessed himself, saying, “[B]ut how far will they go among so many?” (v. 9). Andrew at least had a mustard-seed-sized faith—but sometimes that’s all God needs. When we exercise faith in Him before He acts, we glorify Him—showing the world that we trust Him, the steadfast and faithful God.
In the natural, Andrew’s observation was correct. There were five thousand men there, not counting the women and the children. In all likelihood, there were ten thousand people gathered. A little boy’s lunch would not be much help. But in Jesus’ hands, that lunch was enough. Remember: Little is much in God’s hands.
When Jesus supernaturally blessed and multiplied the food, the disciples distributed it. And they kept on distributing it. They brought the baskets back empty, and they filled them up again. On and on it went until everyone had eaten their fill. Not only that, but there was plenty left over. Only the bread of life could feed this crowd to overflowing.
When we rely on Jesus to be the manufacturer, He provides in abundance. It is not our job to feed the five thousand; all we need to do is distribute what He gives us. Likewise, the world is desperate for distributors of the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. If we can get our hearts to understand that, not only will we not live in fear of the future, but we will also walk with joyful assurance and divine purpose. Like Andrew, we can simply bring people to Jesus—and see Him work wonders in their lives.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that I can trust You to provide what is needed for Your work. I know You will accomplish all Your holy will. I only want to be faithful to Your call to serve as Your ambassador—as Your hands and feet. Grant me quiet confidence that You are at work in my heart, my family, my neighborhood, my city, my country, this world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“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).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Evidence of the Exclusivity of Jesus, Part 4: LISTEN NOW
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