Chapter Twenty-Four
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moke from burning wicks hung low in the room creating a not unpleasant odor for the celebration going on beneath it. The apostles had returned after being away for two month’s preaching and teaching and the festive atmosphere reflected the inordinate joy in the heart of each man. Especially Jesus. They made him laugh as they regaled him with stories of events that took place on their respective journeys. They seemed energized and at the same time, exhausted. The celebration and the storytelling subsided into a quiet, satisfied silence. “You have done a wonderful thing, gentlemen. I am proud of you. You have worked long and hard and it seems, you had a little pleasure along the way. I think its time for a holiday, what do you think? Let us take a little time away in the mountains to relax and reflect on God’s blessings and perhaps reflect on where we go from here. What do you say?”
“Just us,” asked James, “and you?”
“Yes, just us. I think we are all due a little time of retreat by ourselves.” The men flushed with pleasure at the thought of some quiet time away with Jesus alone. What a time of refreshment that would be! As much as they were energized by ministry, they were tired of so many people. There were so many needs. Sometimes it seemed there wasn’t even time to eat. So Jesus took them by boat to a remote place he knew near the village of Bethsaida.
They were, however, in for a shock. When they arrived at the place where they were supposed to be alone, a place with rolling green hills, springs and trees, they were greeted with a huge throng of people. They were awed by so many people. The crowds had seen them leave Capharnaum and followed. Many had deduced where they were headed and arrived there before Jesus and the apostles. Among them were many who were sick and infirm, brought there by caring friends and relatives. They looked at Jesus and the apostles with anticipation, hoping, praying that they would be noticed; somehow, they might find a way to be healed of the misery they had endured for most of their lives.
Jesus was deeply moved. What a sight they made! Like wandering sheep without a shepherd. God help them! The tiredness forgotten, he welcomed them with compassion and began to speak to them of God’s love and the special peace of knowing him. As he moved among the crowd. touching this person and that, he healed each one in need of healing. It was a beautiful thing to watch. The air seemed charged with immense power. Whatever our expectations of solitude and retreat, we were once again invigorated with power. So we too, moved among the crowd, encouraging, touching, healing and blessing. The moment was one of magic and enchantment in that remote part of the mountains around Galilee with Jesus alone — and thousands of people.
Philip stood beside Jesus surveying the scene. Evening approached and the people were milling about and conversing. One could sense a tension among them. Jesus turned to Philip and said, “They are hungry and the day is almost gone. They must be fed. What do you think we should do?” I believe Jesus knew all along what he would do. I have never seen him caught by surprise or unprepared for any eventuality. Philip, on the other hand took the question seriously. His concern was real and that of a pragmatist.
“It would take more than a year’s wages to feed a crowd like this.” Andrew, Peter’s brother, overheard the question and Philip’s response. He remarked, “Here is a boy with, let’s see, five barley loaves and a couple of fish.” He looked at the other two with an impish smile. He was being funny. Jesus laughed. Philip rolled his eyes.
At this point Peter and the others who had not been privy to this exchange came up and observed, “This is a remote place, Lord, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy some food for themselves. There is nothing to eat here.”
Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
“We have nothing here but this child’s lunch,” Peter responded with some exasperation. The boy grinned and held up his basket, more than willing to be of service.. The boy’s hair, somewhere between brown and blond, hung ragged and rough cut just below his ears. His eyes sparkled blue and intelligent. He was about seven years old.
Jesus held out his hand to him, “Come here son. Let’s see what you have there.” He lifted the soft napkin which covered the food and peered inside. “How many fish did you say you have?”
“Two, sir.” he said to Jesus.
“Then how came there to be three?” The incredulous child stepped closer to see for himself. Sure enough, there were three fish, not two. He looked at Jesus. “Mother said she put two smoked fish in there, ready to eat.”
“But there are three,” said Jesus. “Surely she was mistaken.”
“My mother? Make a mistake?” The boy obviously thought that unlikely.
“How many fish are in the basket?” said Jesus, smiling.
At that moment his mother appeared. “Joash, are you bothering the Master?”
“Mother,” said the boy, “You said you put two fish in my lunch!”
“Come now, son. You have caused enough trouble . . “
”No, mother,” said Jesus, “Joash is no trouble at all and he is quite right. There are more than two fish in his lunch.”
His mother took the lunch from the child and removed the napkin. The count of fish was now four. The loaves were six. The basket was full. The boy’s mother looked at Jesus, paused, and then fell to her knees before him. He laughed again, took her hand and raised her to her feet. “Give me the basket,” he asked. “Peter,” he commanded, “You, Philip and the others have everyone group together in companies of fifty with aisles in between so that you may distribute freely.” The grass on the hillside was soft, green and inviting. Everyone quickly formed themselves as Jesus had said, and sat down. Word of what was happening drifted among them. They were expectant, excited.
Jesus took the lad’s lunch and looked toward the sky, “Thank you Father,” he said, “for your abundance.” Then turning to the apostles and the other followers he said, “Find every empty basket, carton and crate you can find. Bring them and spread them here before me.” Baskets of all shapes and sizes began appearing before him. Jesus plunged his hand into the child’s basket, from it extracted quantities of bread, and smoked fish. The baskets before him began to fill. As soon as one filled, another took its place. The apostles and disciples hurried to the companies of each fifty (there were almost four hundred) and passed them to a leader and from there to the rest. People began to talk loudly and shout. Much laughter and praising God. The air was charged with excitement.
It took some time to get them all served and by the time they were done, the evening sun had disappeared. The people were lounging about, full and satisfied. Jesus said, “We are not yet done. Now gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” So, they went about from company to company picking up no less than twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over -- from this boy’s lunch.
