David Bahn – Reflections

Philip answered, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”. (John 6:7).

August is more than half over; and what do you have to show for it? Few of us have eight months wages stowed away in an emergency cash fund. Few of us have eight months worth of food. Few have even a hurricane survival kit ready to go – even those who live in hurricane-prone areas of the country.

We might have eight months of good memories. We could have eight months of paid bills – hopefully they’re all paid! Some of us might have eight months more in our retirement accounts. And while we may have begun our year with all manner of New Year’s Resolutions; few of us thought of setting an eight month goal for any aspect of our life – mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, familial…

Jesus challenged His disciples to provide food for a crowd of 5000, asking them where they might buy food (John 6:1-15). Philip, one of the disciples quickly observed: “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”. That might translate to a $5.00 box lunch for each one there. Although Jesus actually had other plans, Philip was simply observing the impossibility of the situation and showing his math skills.

What Philip did for us, however, might be worthy of note today; He quantified what he considered an extravagant expression of charity: Eight months’ wages! That would be a lot of money! That would be extravagant. Generous. Remarkable.

Jesus’ provision on this occasion was even more extravagant. He provided for the people in such abundance that they had twelve baskets-full of leftovers. While the modern enlightened mind will question this and put the story in the category of childish Sunday school myth, the story stands. And the only reason to discredit it has more to do with one’s skepticism and belief about who God is and what He can do than it does about Sunday school or myths or tall tales.

In fact we have here on public display the power, grace and heart of God. He wants to be known. He wants to provide for those who hunger. He wants to teach his disciples about depending on Him. He wants to teach us about the kindness, extravagant grace, and rich love of God. And He did that through Jesus feeding the 5000.

I’m not certain that we are to make too much of Philip’s comment about the eight months’ wages. But I am certain that there is something in that comment that is worthy of reflection. Perhaps it is to have an eight month goal of feeding 5000 people – maybe not with $5.00 box lunches; maybe by means of volunteering at the local food pantry. Maybe it has to do with setting an eight month goal of being out of debt, or of giving an extravagant gift for the cause of Christ’s kingdom. It might simply mean being thankful for the past eight months – filled with all manner of joys, disappointments, pains, challenges, and celebrations.

When it came time to feed the people; Jesus had what it takes. And He provided for them in extravagant ways; just as he provides for His people each day. For that I thank my God!