12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
I'm interested in why Jesus wanted all the extra pieces picked up. I have a theory. It isn't anything crazy. But, I think there are 2 things here. First; I think Jesus wanted the disciples to see that there was more left over than what they started with. There probably was only a small percentage of the people that really knew and saw what was happening. It was important that the 12 saw it. The second; I think its important to not waste Jesus' miracles. The food was from the divine, and therefore shouldn't wind up on the grass rotting. There isn't a time when Jesus performed something miraculous and it wasn't fully utilized.
There is a LOT in these chapters. I could go on anad on about these stories. Its fun.
i had a similar question pass through my head but then lost the thought by the end. I think your insight is a good one on the 12 seeing together what had really happened and not wasting his miracle seems like a good thought as well.
ReplyDelete27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
This verse hits me as I have been so consumed by thoughts of work lately. I'm hoping its just a short term issue but its a multi-year project so I'm concerned.
knut