Gather Up Your Fragments – God Uses Them
“When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” (John 6:12)
Seven miracle stories are recorded in the Book of John. The feeding of five thousand was the fifth and only miracle recorded in all four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While there are minor differences in the accounts, they share broadly similar details. Although each account focus on the actual miracle of feeding the multitude, another noteworthy aspect is Jesus’ command to His disciples to “Gather up the fragments that nothing be lost.”
Have you ever wondered about Jesus’ motives for this command? Here are a few possible explanations:
Symbolic Abundance: The leftovers symbolize God’s abundant provision. Despite starting with little, Jesus fed thousands and had leftovers, reflecting God’s generosity and provision.
Confirmation of the Miracle: The leftovers serve as tangible evidence of the miracle. If Jesus had simply distributed exactly enough food to feed everyone, skeptics might argue that it was a coincidence. The abundance beyond the initial amount emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event.
Spiritual Significance: The spiritual significance of the leftovers symbolizes that God’s blessings should be shared, not hoarded. Just as Jesus had the disciples gather the fragments so that nothing is wasted, believers are called to steward and share God’s blessings wisely.
Foreshadowing the Eucharist: In John 6:22-59, following the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus speaks of Himself as the bread of life. The leftovers are seen by some theologians as foreshadowing the Eucharist, where bread symbolizes Jesus’ body.
Ultimately, the significance of the leftover fragments goes beyond mere sustenance, serving as a reminder of God’s provision, generosity, and the spiritual truths embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus.
Here’s a final thought for personal reflection – God uses the fragments of our lives for our greater good. Romans 8:28 assures us that “…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”