Each of the four gospels, Mathew, Mark, Luke and John record the basic event of Jesus feeding a large crowd. Some of the details are different, however only John mentions any of the disciples by name and the involvement of a small boy, who has the five barley loaves and two fish. 

I have read about this event many times, as I am particularly fond of John’s gospel.  And though I have good commentaries on John, I still wonder what Jesus was testing Philip about. It seems from what I’ve read, it had to do with Philip’s faith in Jesus.

Jesus looked up and saw that a large crowd was coming toward Him, and He said to Philip, “Where will we buy bread for these people to eat?” 

But He said this to test Philip, because He knew what He was about to do. Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii (200 days’ wages) worth of bread is not enough for each one to receive even a little.”

Andrew is my favorite disciple. He follows Jesus after hearing what John the Baptist says about him, and then he brings his brother, Simon Peter to him. So it seems natural to me that Andrew would notice the little boy, make friends with him, and bring him, with his loaves and fish to Jesus.  

One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him,
“There is a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so many people?”

 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down [to eat].” Now [the ground] there was [covered with] an abundance of grass, so the men sat down, about 5,000 in number.

Then Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated; the same also with the fish, as much as they wanted. 

When they had eaten enough, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.”  So they gathered them up, and they filled twelve large baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.  John 6:5-13 AMP 


John 6:14 mentions the effect of this event on the crowd, but I wonder about that little boy. He met Jesus. He saw Jesus give thanks. He ate some of the bread and fish that had been multiplied and saw how much was left over. Of course, I cannot know, but Jesus does. 

And Jesus knows and cares for each of us, too.  Take some time  this week to reflect on Jesus’ knowledge of and loving care for you.


by Carolyn Schmitt