Where the Co-op is being built in Aberdour there used to be a Fish Shop – in these few weeks we will see some tiles from the walls of the shop – and seeing how fish are important in the Bible.
The plot of the story is simple. Thousands of people gathered in a “remote place” where Jesus was teaching and healing them. When it came time for the evening meal, there was nothing for people to eat, other than five loaves of bread and two fish. From these, however, Jesus was able to provide ample food for the whole crowd. He miraculously multiplied the quantity of food so that everyone was well fed and there were twelve baskets of leftovers.
I find this an amazing story which at first sight appears unbelievable – but it has several important messages.
- It shows that Jesus cared for the people in their ordinary hunger and demonstrated loving hospitality.
- Like the story of God providing manna for the children of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness, it demonstrates the presence of the kingdom of God.
- The fact that there was so much left over shows that God provides more than enough for us.
I remember when I was young, someone explained this story saying how the boy shared what he had, which then encouraged others in the crowd to share what they had. Therefore the message if of how one person can make a difference to seemingly impossible situations.