They all ate and were satisfied. . . .

— Matthew 14:20

This story about feeding more than 5,000 people is usually told from the viewpoint of the disciples. I wonder what it was like to be a person in the crowd. Imagine being surrounded by thousands of people—men and women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. You would probably see young children running around as parents tried to corral them along the shoreline. And seniors slowly shuffling to find a place close enough to Jesus so they could hear him speak. It was probably an example of what people have called “organized chaos.” Even Jesus’ disciples didn’t know what to do with the hungry followers (see vv. 15-17).

What was it like to see the calm and measured face of Jesus in the midst of such a hectic scene? How did Jesus know he could feed all those hungry people with just “five loaves of bread and two fish”?

Jesus knew he could feed the starving crowd because he was and is the Son of God, who not only provided the bread and fish but also created the earth and established everything in it, from the waters where the fish lived to the land that provided the grain used to bake bread. Knowing the power of the Creator gave Jesus the opportunity to invite others to know him too.

Great God, thank you for your constant provision, and forgive me when I fail to see your grace and mercy in the everyday rhythms of life. Thank you also for your Son, Christ Jesus, and for the life you provide through him for us all. Amen.