Would Your Son Share His Lunch?

On Sunday morning my husband preached a message about the feeding of the 5000. As he was preaching he mentioned the "lad" that had food to share. I have often thought of that lad as I have read my Bible and so many thoughts have flooded my mind about that situation...here is the account of what happened.

"When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." John 6:5-12

Now, the thing that intrigued me (as a mother) is the fact that of all the people there (5000 men plus women and children) there appeared to be just one boy that either had a lunch or the very least was willing to share his lunch. I have pondered several things about this boy and would like to share with you today.

1. He must have had a very good mother - she made sure and packed her son a lunch, so she took care of him.

2. He must have had a spiritual mother because she sent him (or allowed him) to go to Jesus.

3. He must have had a mother that taught him manners because he was willing to share his lunch with everybody even when there was obviously not enough to go around.

4. He must have had a mother that taught him to pay attention to the needs of his authorities and spiritual leaders - because it was the apostles that knew about the lad.

5. He must have been taught to speak with and respond to his authorities - so many children today would not have spoken up to say anything. This speaks to the fact that he must have had a measure of confidence (something a mother can foster or squelch in her children).

Now I know that I am attributing all of these things to his mother, but in truth it is the mother that would do all of those things.

So, quite possibly, because of what his mother probably had done, this lad, and all of those present witnessed a miracle! This lad was used of God, very possibly or even probably, because of the loving tender care that his mother gave him and it put him in the right place at the right time.

So, you may be wondering what all of this has to do with anything - but in fact I believe that there is a valuable lesson that can be learned and applied to every mother's mothering skills.

1. Make sure that you prepare your children for the unexpected - it is better to be over prepared than to be caught in a situation with no resources.

2. Have a personal walk with God at home. Be involved in your church, church activities, special meetings, make sure your kids know that it is important to be a part of every opportunity that God brings in your lives.

3. Teach your children basic manners, be polite, share, be attentive, show respect for your elders especially those in a position of authority.

4. Encourage your children to know that they can do all things through Christ - most leaders had someone in their life that made them believe they could do what God wants them to do.

I can't say for sure - but I think this is the kind of mother that nurtured this lad - and God used his offering to perform a miracle that is recorded in the Word of God! I think this mom was pleased, and I know this lad brought glory to God! Would your children share their lunch?

I pray for all of you moms that are raising your children for His glory that these thoughts might be a source of encouragement to you - I love you.

Have a wonderful day!