Teenagers can learn from the story of the boy who shared his five loaves of barley bread and two small fish with Jesus

Text: John 6:1-11 (NLT)

After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. ² A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. ³ Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. ⁴ (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) ⁵ Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” ⁶ He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.

⁷ Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money^[a] to feed them!”

⁸ Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. ⁹ “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”

¹⁰ “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) ¹¹ Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.

What can teenagers learn from the story of the boy who shared his five loaves of barley bread and two small fish with Jesus to feed a multitude in the bible (John 6:1-11)?

The story of the boy who shared his five loaves of barley bread and two small fish with Jesus to feed a multitude can teach teenagers who love God at least 11 things:

1. The Power of Generosity: The boy’s willingness to share what little he had demonstrates the power of generosity, even when faced with scarcity. As a christian teenager learn to be generous
2. The Power of Thanksgiving: Before Jesus fed the 5,000 with the 5 loaves and 2 fish, He gave God thanks. Giving God thanks in this story triggered the miracle of supernatural supply and abundance. Giving God thanks releases miracles and blessings in our lives.
3. Faith in Action: The boy’s act of sharing his loaves and fishes reflects his faith in Jesus’ ability to provide and work miracles. Always have faith in God to come through for you, no matter the difficulties you face
4. God Can Use Anyone: Despite being a young boy with limited resources, God used him to perform a miracle that fed thousands. As a teenager do not think you are too young to be used by God. God will use you to accomplish great things.
5. Trust in God’s Provision: The boy’s actions remind us to trust in God’s provision, knowing that He can multiply our offerings beyond what we can imagine.
6. Humility: The boy’s humility is evident in his willingness to offer what little he had without seeking recognition or praise. Always remember that humility is the key to greatness in God’s kingdom.
7. Sacrificial Giving: The boy’s gift was sacrificial, as he gave up his own food to help others in need. Learn to love people sacrificially. Learn to always be sacrficial in your giving and worship to God
8. Community and Sharing: The story emphasizes the importance of community and sharing resources to meet the needs of others.
9. Miracles Happen When We Step Out in Faith: The miracle of feeding the multitude occurred because the boy stepped out in faith and offered what he had.
10. God’s Economy: In God’s economy, even the smallest offerings can make a significant impact when placed in His hands.
11. Witnessing God’s Power: The boy’s act of sharing and witnessing Jesus’ miracle would have left a lasting impression on him and those who witnessed it, reinforcing their faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

Overall, the story of the boy who shared his loaves and fishes teaches teenagers about the importance of generosity, faith, humility, and trust in God’s provision. It serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to work miracles through ordinary people who are willing to offer themselves and their resources for His glory.