In this verse, we see that the Savior was not in a hurry to do the work. He did so with care and under the guidance of the Father. Matthew recounts how the Master fed five thousand men, plus women and children. After the disciples found it impossible to obtain enough bread to feed such a large crowd, Christ ordered everyone to sit on the grass, and, taking the loaves of bread, He blessed them and distributed them to all (Matthew 14:13-21).

         The day was drawing to a close, and night was approaching. Calmly, the Master distributed the multiplied portion of five loaves and two small fish. We don’t know what the disciples initially thought about the miraculous work unfolding before their eyes, but many must have doubted that everyone would be fed. After all, they had been with the Savior for three days and had eaten nothing. Yet, one boy’s small snack was enough!

         Everyone was satisfied because Jesus' blessing had fed them. The works of the Lord are done through faith, and the Bible says that we have the faith of Christ to justify us: 'Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified' (Galatians 2:16). The key is to put this faith into action!

         When the meeting was over, Jesus took time to dismiss the crowd, blessing all who had come to witness the glory of God and affirming the miracles of heaven. The Lord still performs the same wonders for a group of people as He does for an individual, as long as they believe the truth of the Scriptures about Him. Those who left were certain they had witnessed something miraculous!

         After dismissing the crowd, Christ did not hurry to meet the disciples but went up to the mountain to pray to the Father. Jesus knew that without this communion, He could do nothing. The same is true for us; if we are not aligned with the Most High, His power will not be at work in us. Christ said, 'Without Me you can do nothing' (John 15:5b). It is important to take time alone with God to reflect on what you’ve been doing and what you need to do. He answers!

         On the mountain, Jesus sought guidance to continue fulfilling His mission. Night was falling over that region, and Jesus was there, praying fervently to know how to proceed for the glory of the Father. We must learn how to carry out God’s will; however, without the teachings, techniques, and tools that the Master used, we will never fulfill our calling successfully. Yet, in Christ, we are more than conquerors!

         The Son of God was not afraid of the night or the forces that act in darkness. After all, His Father would never leave Him or forsake Him. We must have the same confidence in our hearts. To do so, we must learn to follow Christ’s example, truly love the Father, and trust in the fulfillment of God’s promises. Prepare yourself in the Lord for the work of evangelization!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares