Day 40 | And Two Small Fishes

July 7, 2015 - WEEK SIX

James Tissot. The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription

DAILY READING

Matthew 14:14-21
Mark 6:32-44
John 6:1-14

CONSIDER AS YOU READ

Why study these multiple accounts of the same miracle?
Was the crowd at fault for not bringing food with them?
After the leftovers were gathered, what do you think they did with them?

SUPPLEMENTAL READING

Some months ago, as Elder Spencer J. Condie and I … unexpectedly met a devoted and faithful couple who [had] … spent a lifetime of service, meekly, faithfully, and effectively trying to build up the Church in many places in the world. Elder Condie noted, “Isn’t it remarkable what people with five loaves and two fishes do to build up the kingdom of God.” This kind of quiet, devoted service to me is surely a fulfillment of the word of God “that the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers” (D&C 1:23). Today I would like to speak of those of us who have only talents equal to five loaves and two fishes to offer the Savior to help feed the multitudes….

It has been said that this church does not necessarily attract great people but more often makes ordinary people great. Many nameless people with gifts equal only to five loaves and two small fishes magnify their callings and serve without attention or recognition, feeding literally thousands…These are the hundreds of thousands of leaders and teachers in all of the auxiliaries and priesthood quorums, the home teachers, the Relief Society visiting teachers. These are the many humble bishops in the Church, some without formal training but greatly magnified, always learning, with a humble desire to serve the Lord and the people of their wards.

Any man or woman who enjoys the Master’s touch is like potter’s clay in his hands. More important than acquiring fame or fortune is being what God wants us to be. Before we came to this earth, we may have been fashioned to do some small good in this life that no one else can do… If God has a work for those with many talents, I believe he also has an important work for those of us who have few (James E. Faust, “Five Loaves and Two Fishes,” Ensign, May 1994, 4–6).
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ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Finding Faith in Christ—
Feeding Five Thousand

FOR YOUNGER DISCIPLES

Jesus Feeds
Five Thousand People

QUESTIONS FOR YOUNGER DISCIPLES

Who brought the fish and bread?
What does it tell you about Jesus that while he was troubled over the death of his friend and cousin, John the Baptist, he took time to prepare food for 5,000 followers?
Do you sometimes feel like a small fish? Could you feed 5,000 with Jesus’ help?