This morning on my way into the office I had to stop for a family/group/gaggle/flock/(really am not sure) of turkeys. Of course I had to find my phone, and then find the camera app, in the meantime the turkeys kept striding on into the wooded area.

So as you can see that by the time I was able to snap a picture, the turkeys were well on their way to the next destination. Regardless, it was a fun surprise to meet up with these interesting creatures today. Not something I had expected (I definitely would have had a better plan for a photo if that were the case.) or had anticipated.

This unexpected blessing reminds me of the big event in Matthew 14. Jesus had just heard that his blessed friend/cousin/profit John the baptist had been killed. He was understandably grieved by the news and wanted to get away for a bit. Unfortunately at this point in His ministry a “getaway” was not so easy. So even though He headed out in a boat the crowds followed Him on foot around the water’s edge until Jesus reached the other side. Well, even though this had not been Jesus’ plan for a personal getaway, He stopped to minister to them anyway. He healed the sick and did what He could to care for the people.

This all took a lot of time, since there were so many people there, and it was getting too late so Jesus again, had compassion on the crowd and miraculously took the gift of what a young boy had to eat and multiplied it into fish sandwiches for everyone with leftovers! That was a surprise!!

The people following Jesus probably had the expectation that they would see Him, if they waited long enough in line. They were hoping to see a healing or two, like the ones they’d probably heard about already. But no one was expecting dinner. How would that even be possible? There is no place that could serve that many people. Even today, with all of the modern conveniences available. On the see of Galilee there are restaurants that serve a whopping load of tourists fish dinners every day, but I’m pretty certain 5,000 (note: there could have been 15,000 -20,000 people there, as only the men were counted in the 5,000.) dinners are out of reach.

Why did Jesus surprise the followers with a meal? The text says,”He had compassion on them.” So that is one lesson we can learn. It’s not about whether we deserve the compassion from God, it’s about the fact that it’s part of His nature.

Secondly, we see God’s generosity. There wasn’t a little bit of food, but there was more than enough for everyone. They all had their fill and then baskets were sent around to collect left-overs. God provides generously.

Thirdly, we see this was a learning experience for the disciples. They actually were part of this miracle, and through their obedience were used by God to provide a miracle. God will use the available, teachable, and faithful to accomplish His work.

Finally I think it is pretty significant that a boy gave up his bread and fish. It was probably food that had been sent with him for a long journey, he was willing to give that up and notice that he gave it all. He didn’t give 1/2 or even 3/4 of it to Jesus, but the whole thing. All that he had thinking of other’s first. We can learn a great lesson of servant hood here. Obediently, graciously, when we give what we have God will multiply and bless our gifts and make them into something supernatural, for His glory.