"Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves...They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children" (Matthew 14)
"Then He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children." (Mark 8)
The miraculous feeding of the 5,000 by Jesus from only five loaves and two fish is a familiar story from the gospels. Oftentimes though, we forget that another time Jesus fed 4,000 with seven loaves and a few small fish. In both instances all the people ate and were satisfied, and the disciples were able to fill up baskets with leftover pieces.
We miss it in our English translations of the Gospels, but the baskets used in both instances to collect the surplus were actually two very different types of baskets.
When the disciples collected 12 baskets of leftover pieces from the feeding of the 5,000 the baskets were small wicker baskets that a Jew would use to carry his provisions when travelling, usually just enough food for a day or two.
The seven baskets used to collect the broken pieces after feeding the 4,000 were made of ropes or wicker and were used for storing grain. They were man-sized.
When the disciples collected 12 baskets of leftover pieces from the feeding of the 5,000 the baskets were small wicker baskets that a Jew would use to carry his provisions when travelling, usually just enough food for a day or two.
The seven baskets used to collect the broken pieces after feeding the 4,000 were made of ropes or wicker and were used for storing grain. They were man-sized.
As I reflect on these two miraculous feedings, I realize that sometimes the hand of the Lord provides an abundance that overflows, as in the instance when seven man-sized basketsful were left over. And sometimes the hand of the Lord gives us just enough provision to get through the next day or two, as in the instance of the 12 small baskets.
This Thanksgiving I am grateful that our Lord always provides - sometimes in abundance and sometimes just enough for the day. I am thankful, too, for family and friends with whom I can share and who share with me.
Love in Christ, from Whom all blessings flow!
Jeannie
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