 This week's lectionary reading is Matthew 14:13-21. Of course, you have to remember that I'm writing this in August -- you're reading it much later. This is Matthew's version of the feeding of the five thousand (or as the New Jerusalem version puts it -- "about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children"). Sadly, the Bible often says nothing about women and children. But John's version (6:1-13) of this story does say something. He says that "a small boy with five barley loaves and two fish" shares what he had and thereby facilitates a miracle.
A SMALL boy. Even today children often aren't credited with much importance, but in those days they were downright immaterial. That it was a child -- a small child -- that had the temerity to speak to one of Jesus' disciples and think that he had something of significance to offer -- what a ridiculous thought. And that he thought five loaves and two fish could be useful -- preposterous.
Churches sometimes give the impression that what laypeople do isn't important; or at least not as important as the clergy or paid staff. Often children's ministries are considered less significant than adult activities.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, and particularly as leaders of Sprouts, we need to bear in mind that even the smallest act or "insignificant" word might have consequences far beyond our expectations. That small boy might have thought that he could feed Jesus with his paltry offering, but he never dreamed he could help Jesus feed over five thousand people. As you continue to be a faithful mentor to a group of elementary kids who are not always polite or grateful or even cooperative, you need to keep in mind that your faithfulness might have unforeseen results. And you need to remind your Sprouts that what they do is also important. They, too, have important gifts to offer to Jesus.
I know pastors who have had former parishioners approach them years after the pastor has left their church to quote a sermon or even an off-hand remark that the parishioner has remembered and valued all those years. And sometimes the pastor has absolutely no memory of the sermon or remark! It has been surprising what my own grown children remember about their childhood, which events have had meaning for them. It hasn't always been the expensive gift or fantastic trip that they recall and cherish. Sometimes it is something I don't remember at all.
Little things can mean a lot. Just being there week after week, showing love and concern, can be a significant gift to a child (or adult). You may never know the impact of any particular project or session. It is simply your job as a Sprouts leader (and a disciple of Jesus Christ) to keep on keeping on; to continue loving as God loves; to forgive seventy times seven; to offer your five loaves and two fish and know that Jesus will multiply them and feed those who are hungry.
••••
Return to Covenant Discipleship Quarterly (Fall 2008) Home Page
Text Only Version
|
