Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

I have had clients who have been with me for a long time. They have seen hard work and savings, while at other times they have found it challenging to be my client. Other clients will leave on a dime, whenever a challenge presents itself. Why have the loyal clients stuck with me over the good and bad times? I like to think it is not because I am always the cheapest price or the most popular option. I find they trust me to act in their best interest. They believe I have their best in mind. They see my heart and realize that I will be an honest and true fiduciary of their business interests.

Jesus searched for those who would be true followers. He is an honest and true fiduciary of the interests of our hearts! He performs the miracle here of multiplying the loaves and the fishes, and we have several take-aways:
1) The multiplication of what is given. When we give to or join in the Lord’s work, out of a heart set on his ways and his kingdom, he will MULTIPLY THE RESULTS. This truth is perhaps best displayed in John 4:35: “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” Verse 38 says, “I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
2) The people only believed because of the miracles. They were Conditional Believers. They only followed Jesus because they wanted to make him king (for what they wanted out of him). This is why Jesus said they intended to make him king by force. This was not why he was here.
3) Jesus stayed on mission, though it was likely very tempting to get swept up in all the fame and popularity. He was not there to be a king on earth. He came to sacrifice all to eternally save us all as the King of Kings and Lord of All!

So we have some questions to consider today. 1) Will we be faithful, like the little boy, to give our relatively meager offerings to God of our time, talent, and treasures — so he can multiple their impact? 2) Will we be Conditional Believers or will we choose to follow loyally, in the good and the bad times, after Jesus Christ? 3) Will we seek to know God’s heart and stay on mission to what he has called us to be in this world (as evidenced in his Word) — HIS AMBASSADORS?