Perhaps the most famous of Jesus’ miracles, Jesus fed 5000 men, plus the women and children with them, with five loaves and two fish. How did he do it? First, he recognized the need. Although he had the ability to meet the need on his own, he chose to involve his disciples, in order to develop their faith. He turned to Philip and asked where they would buy enough bread to feed the crowd. Philip’s response indicated that the thought of providing a meal was too overwhelming. Andrew responded that there was a boy with five loaves and two fish; what was Andrew thinking? Was it a statement of faith in Jesus? Or (more likely) was it a random statement of 'here’s a little food…'?
After Jesus did the miraculous and turned the small meal into a feast for 10,000, he had the disciples pick up the leftovers. The crowds were amazed and wanted to make Jesus king (so he went and hid in the mountain).
Lessons on Leading More Like Jesus:
1. Involve others in carrying out ministry – never do it alone! When Jesus asked Philip what they should do, it says that he already knew what he would do. Give faith-stretching assignments to those you lead and let them wrestle with the solution.
2. When the crowd wants to put you on a pedestal, DON’T! We are called to be servant leaders, not celebrities!
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