When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:12-13
John is a master of literary layering. What do I mean by that? What I mean is that there are multiple layers of meaning in almost every line of his writing. He seems to have a general meaning that he wants his reader to discover, and then he leaves little easter eggs for those who are willing to linger a bit longer. What is the easter egg in this text? It’s the number twelve.
The number twelve is important in this story for a few reasons. First, there are twelve disciples in the story who didn’t have what it takes to feed thousands of people. These twelve disciples get the privilege of carrying a basket full of food to remind them that God can provide where there seems to be no way. The second reason twelve is important has to do with the twelve tribes of Israel. That may also be a reason why Jesus had twelve disciples in the first place. In this passage, Jesus is pointing out that he can provide for all of the people of Israel.
That may be interesting, but what does it have to do with you on this Friday morning, or whenever you are reading this? I think this little number and its original significance can remind us as well that God can provide for all of us. Not just ten tribes or eleven tribes, but all twelve will eat and find their fill. Not only that, there will be leftovers at the end of God’s provision. What are your twelve tribes? “Lord, What are my twelve that need feeding?” 1., 2., …
Do you believe that God can provide what you need and then some?
by Aaron Bjorklund
