Small Input, Big Impact

Reflection on Matthew 14.14-22 - Jesus feeds the Five Thousand

 

Last Sunday I was helping Erin and Robert Lockridge move a couple of children’s kayaks for a summer camp they are leading. As I was getting the kayaks out of the back of my car, Amarie came over and wanted “to help.” Of course immediately her little brother, Kallum, also wanted in on the action. So now there are 3 of us carrying 2 small kayaks that one adult could easily carry. Amarie had her hand on the front of the kayak, and Kalem was touching the back. In this way, they were “helping.”

But what’s actually going on there? How much weight were Amarie and Kalem actually lifting? Answer: not much, if any! Yet, there was something sweet about the scene to me. They were doing what they could. They were contributing. They were a part of something that “big people” do. And honestly, the contribution felt significant. But not for the reasons they likely thought it was. It was significant because adults and children working together is an important part of learning how things work, being part of something, and learning about teamwork. And it was significant for me personally as it deepened in some small way my relationship with them.

We are all hard-wired to help, to work together. And God, though he is all-powerful and can do anything, wants us to help. Not because he needs us per se. But because it’s good for us - for our learning, our training in being more like Him. And also because He is a God who values interactive, cooperative relationships. In John 5 Jesus says, “I only do what I see the Father doing.” The Father and the Son, both all-powerful are forever intertwined and working in synch with each other. And they invite us, as their children, to participate.

This week’s gospel reading follows right after the death of John the Forerunner, the cousin of Jesus, and one of his closest allies. Jesus was likely grieving. He was tired. He was seeking solitude and rest for Himself and his disciples. Yet, even while grieving and tired he is moved with compassion.

How do we respond to others when we are tired and grieving?

Are we moved with compassion when we see those in need? Or are we just saying the words as the deacon prays each Sunday for the poor, the destitute, the abused, abandoned and orphaned children and even for those with no one to pray for them? In these prayers, we encounter in some mystical way the harried, hungry multitudes of the world in great need of healing, of love.

And seeing the needy, hungry multitudes do we hear Jesus' words to his disciples in the gospel: “You feed them.”

Now, when I hear that call I respond predictably just like the disciples, “I don’t have enough _____________(money, time, ability).“ But He calls us to do the work anyway. Jesus says, “Just bring what you have to me.” And then He does the heavy lifting. We do our small part and he multiplies it through his miraculous, supernatural ability. 

But let’s not forget: we are involved. We have to take some initiative, have some little shred of faith. And then we look to Him for resources and trust Him for outcomes. I have a business coach who says, “We control the input. God controls the impact.”

We input a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread. God feeds 5000+.

We input a small monetary gift. God feeds and cloths a child in need halfway round the world (or just around the block).

We input prayers, faith and love. And God performs the miracle each Sunday of coming to us in the form of bread and wine.

We input a smile, a handshake and an introduction. God builds His Church.

Small input. Big impact.

There’s a very important Orthodox teaching in here. In greek it’s called synergia. It’s where we get the word “synergy.” It’s the idea that God and humanity can cooperate, work together. We each work with God toward our salvation to increasingly become more like Him. And we also get to participate in his redemption of all humanity and ultimately the whole cosmos. How incredible is that! Yet, we’re humbled by Jesus words, “Without me, you can do nothing” (John 15). A sobering truth. And yet, conversely, what can’t we do if he is with us and we are with him?

What overwhelming task might God be calling you to that will require His resources to even begin? May we bring our small part to Him and have the joy of watching Him multiply our tiny efforts and resources into something magnificent.