By 
John is the only Gospel writer who includes a certain phrase in telling the miracle of the loaves and fish. This phrase recently caught my attention. For days now I’ve reflected upon it, prayed over it, and researched the context. It occurs in John 6, after the crowd had eaten their fill. Jesus said, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted” (John 6:12, NIV).
Did you catch that? Jesus instructed His disciples to collect what was left over so nothing would be wasted. I’m confident His statement was far more than just “being green”, as we say today. The entire miracle demonstrated Jesus’ divine power as being sent from God. He later teaches from the synagogue in Capernaum, calling Himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35, NIV).
So what was Jesus’ intent when He said, “Let nothing be wasted”? First of all I think He meant it literally, because the disciples literally collected the pieces of bread and fish that were left. I wish John had recorded what Jesus and/or the disciples did with all the leftovers, but I’m confident they were used wisely. Matthew Henry’s commentary references a Jewish custom of not allowing any bread to be wasted after a meal. Collecting leftovers was customary then, so to speak.
As well, Jesus honored God’s abundant provision. Collecting what was left over confirms that the Father had met the crowd’s physical hunger above and beyond their basic need. Jesus is acknowledging, to the disciples, the goodness of His Father.
I want to apply these same principles in my life. I wish to not only be a good steward of God’s daily, tangible provisions of food, clothing, and shelter, but also of the Father’s abundant spiritual provision encompassed in salvation and sanctification. No matter what need the Father is meeting, I don’t want to waste one bit of it. I desire to acknowledge it to those closest to me, perhaps journal it for future generations, post it on social media, share the story one-on-one to encourage others, and of course offer thanksgiving to the One who provided above and beyond my need.
Linda Lesniewski
Linda served as Women’s Minister at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, TX for 24 years. She has authored "A Little Book About Knowing a Big God" for children; "Women at the Cross" and "Connecting Women: A Guide for Leaders in Women’s Ministry", by Revell; as well as "His Story My Story", a digital download available from LifeWay. Linda enjoys spending time with her four young adult children and six granddaughters. She has served on the Womenary Board of Directors for many years.
You can contact Linda at lindalesniewski49@gmail.com.
