This miracle is so rich with meaning and depth that simply identifying one key sermon sentence will be difficult. However, I was reminded this past week that most "three-point" sermons are really three sermons strung together, and so I will attempt to narrow my thoughts down to a single focus and then develop that focus into a full sermon. This entry will primarily contain my first thoughts, out of which I will develop my focus.
Some would suggest that this miracle is not physical but spiritual, in that the bread and fish were not actually multiplied, but that selfish hearts were thawed, and the abundance of food already in the crowd was produced. I don't find much compelling evidence for this position, and instead operate from the belief that Jesus did perform supernatural miracles that changed the natural world. However, that is not to say that there is not more than one miracle here.
Miracle #1: This is the obvious, physical miracle that we learned about in Sunday School. Jesus took the food, lifted it up, gave thanks for it, and distributed it. The five loves and 2 fish became enough food to fill the bellies of 5000 men, and between 10,000 and 15,000 women and children.
Miracle #2: Everyone sat down together. The men, the women, and the children all dined together. Despite the cultural prohibitions against fellowship between men and woman, they shared a meal together. Despite the disdain for children, everyone had food to eat. Despite the distinct possibilities that there were Gentiles (or even worse--Samaritans) in the group, they sat together. This occurence can only be explained by a supernatural transformation of hearts.
Miracle #3: Despite the unknown source of the food, people ate it. Few things were more sacred to first century Jews than adherence to food laws. And yet, nobody knows where this food came from. They don't know who prepared it. It did not come with a circle-K on it to indicate its Kosher qualities. And yet, the food is eaten. Perhaps it is because they are so hungry. Perhaps it is because they have learned to trust Rabbi Jesus. Perhaps it is because the Kingdom of Shalom is being ushered in and made manifest in the lives of these early followers of Jesus.
Clearly this miracle is to remind us of other biblical narratives. Jesus providing bread in the wilderness is so similar to the Israelites finding manna in the wilderness that we almost don't need Jesus to make the connection for us in John 6:30-33. Jesus connects the miracle to the Eucharist in John 6:51, by telling the crowds that the real bread of life is His own flesh, which He will give for the life of the world.
While those are very valuable connections to be considered, it's valuable to look at the passage in its immediate context, both in the book of Matthew and in the life of the church. The Kingdom Shalom highlighted in the narrative is only emphasized when you contrast it with the party at Herod's palace which had just happened. Instead of men and women sitting together in fellowship with God, Herod's party continues to show the common cultural oppression of women, treating them as little more than objects of sexual slavery.
And, the connection with last week's parables is completely inescapable. In the context of yeast and mustard seeds, we see a miracle which reinforces the lessons that Jesus has just been teaching. "Little is much when God is in it!" Just like the mustard seed grows into a large tree, two fish can miraculously supply for thousands. Just as the yeast makes all the difference between a box of crackers and a loaf of bread, five loaves of bread can be broken to feed many. And, just like that, the body and blood of one God-man can be broken and spilled out for the sins of many.
The practical application for us might be a reminder to "Give of [Our] Best to the Master," regardless of how big or small it may be. It doesn't matter how large our income is, we can all tithe. It doesn't matter how spectacular our talents are, we can all use them to bring glory to God. We are to bring our best--our time, our talents, our treasures, and our touch(relationships) into His service. The beating of a drum becomes a sweet sound in the ear of an infant lying in a manger. The two coins become a beautiful gift when it is our entire savings. The simplicity of fives loaves and two fish are enough when they are in God's hands.
Grace and Peace,
PastorJon
(PS: Yes, I know that I'm not with the lectionary right now...in fact, I'll be a couple of weeks behind through most of the rest of Ordinary Time. This is due to my travelling schedule this summer.)
