March 19, 2026
Food for Thought - Part 4
John 6:10-11
03/19/2026
10 Jesus said, ``Have the people sit down.'' Now
there was much grass in the place. So the men sat
down, about five thousand in number.
11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given
thanks, he distributed them to those who were
seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.
(ESV)
Sunday's Gospel lesson was Saint John's account of the
feeding of the 5,000 men, plus women and children.
Jesus said, ``Have the people sit down.'' Now there was
much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about
five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves,
and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to
those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as
they wanted.
The words are familiar. Jesus always gave thanks to God for
the food and drink which He received. This is good, for it
acknowledges that all we need to sustain this body and life is a
gift from our heavenly Father.
Yet the words of Saint John also echo the words we hear each
Sunday as we gather to receive the Lord's Supper. ``Our Lord
Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread. And
when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His
disciples, saying, `Take and eat, this is My body which is given
for you.'''
Both our physical nourishment and our spiritual nourishment
are a gift from God. Last Sunday the Church prayed:
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new
every morning; and though we deserve only punishment,
You receive us as Your children and provide for all our
needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily
acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all
Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience.
This prayer is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
May our Lord grant us faith to see and acknowledge His
gracious goodness which sustains us now and for the life to come.
Amen.