Scripture: John 6:8–9 (ESV) – “One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’”
Andrew speaks up, not with a solution, but with a small offering. He mentions a boy’s lunch—five barley loaves and two small fish—but then immediately disqualifies it: “What are they for so many?” Like Philip, he sees the scale of the need and the insufficiency of what is in hand.
Martin Bucer highlights the tension between the eye of reason and the eye of faith in this moment. “Exiguum est apud homines despectum, sed Deo satis est”—“What is small in the eyes of men is sufficient for God.” Bucer reminds us that God delights to use what appears insignificant, precisely to show that the power belongs to Him and not to us.
This moment invites us to consider our own “five loaves and two fish”—our limited time, energy, resources, or courage—and how often we withhold them because we believe they aren’t enough. But when placed in the hands of Christ, what we see as meager becomes more than sufficient.
Andrew’s honesty is refreshing. He doesn’t pretend the gift is large. But Christ does not require abundance, only availability. What matters is not how much we bring, but to whom we bring it.
Reflection Questions:
- What does Andrew’s response reveal about his view of Christ’s power?
- Are there “small” things in your life that you’ve dismissed as useless to God?
- What might it look like to offer your “loaves and fish” to Christ today—whatever they may be?
Prayer:
Lord, I often underestimate what You can do with little. Forgive me for hiding what feels too small. Teach me to bring everything I have to You—my time, my gifts, my weaknesses—and trust You to do what I cannot. Multiply it for Your glory. Amen.
This devotional is based on John 6:8–9, incorporating insights from Martin Bucer’s Latin exposition on the Gospel of John.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 