God’s usual way

"Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were seated—so also with the fish." (John 6:11)

Jesus himself wrought the miracle—but he did it through His disciples. That is His usual way.

When He wants to take care of a little baby, and train it for a worthy mission, He puts a portion of His own love and gentleness into a mother's heart, and commissions her to train the child for Him.

When He wanted to give His Word to the world, He did not speak directly from heaven—but put His thoughts into the lips of holy men to speak them for Him.

When He wants now to send His grace to a sinner, He does not command an angel from His throne, nor come himself in form of majesty—but sends the message through a saved one.

The disciples that day stood between Christ and the multitude, and so Christ's disciples always do. If they had merely eaten of the bread themselves, and had not passed it to the hungry multitude, the people would have starved, though provision was in the disciples' hands, enough to feed them all.

If we who have the gospel bread only feed ourselves with it, and do not carry it to perishing sinners, they will die in their sins, because we have not taken the salvation to them.

J.M.