In the New Testament, the story of Jesus’ miracle of feeding the five thousand ends with these words. “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” I just love it. The hungry crowd was satisfied – satisfied because of Jesus, not because they had a gourmet meal. Frankly the food that they were served was very ordinary. It was the simple lunch of a small boy – barley loaves and dried fish. And there weren’t any menu choices, it was “Take it, or leave it.” I think it is significant that Jesus met their needs, not their wants. But they were satisfied and there was excess. Jesus not only was concerned and compassionate for the hungry crowd, but he was generous. There was food left over.

This is Thanksgiving week. We live in America where most of us are well fed to the point of excess. To be absolutely candid with you, the garbage that Americans have thrown away this week would be considered meals for millions in some parts of the world. We live in abundance.

I don’t say that to make us feel guilty. But we should be grateful. Grateful to Jesus for all we have. And may our gratitude make us want to be like Jesus. May we welcome others, feed others and help others – trusting God to take what we offer and use it to bless others in Jesus’ name.