Fish Sandwiches!
July 25, 2021
John 6:12-21
When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”
When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.
I could be wrong, but I wouldn’t say fish sandwiches are at the top of the popularity list at a fast-food restaurants today. However, I just came across a story written by Adam Chandler, journalist and former staff writer at The Atlantic, who says they are becoming more in demand especially during Lent. Last March he wrote an article entitled, “The Real Reason Every Chain Is Suddenly Introducing a Fish Sandwich.” He says, “If Easter-themed products are a neon-colored commercial iceberg, there’s also a lesser-seen segment swimming below the surface. I’m talking about fish sandwiches. Typically, in the late-winter weeks following the Super Bowl, restaurant chains around the United States begin to unveil their seasonal fish offerings. And this year was no exception, with new sandwiches from several big chains, including Popeyes and Wendy’s.”
Like two pieces of bread in a sandwich, in today’s lesson we find Jesus resting on a mountain. In the middle is the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000. You could say it’s the meat or rather fish of the sandwich and the text! A large crowd keeps following Jesus because they see the signs he is doing for the sick. When Jesus goes up the mountain he sits down with his disciples, thinking he will get some rest, he looks up, there they are. A large crowd is descending upon him. He says to the practical and realistic, Philip “Where are we to buy bread for all these people?” This is a test because he know what he is going to do. Philip replies “Six month’s wages isn’t enough to buy bread for all these people.” Andrew, the resourceful and observant one, chimes in saying, “Over there is a boy with five loaves of barley bread and two fish. But they certainly won’t be enough to serve all these people.” Jesus tells the people to sit down in the grass. Then he, although he isn’t exactly serving up fish sandwiches, takes the loaves and fish from the generous lad, gives thanks, and serves the people who are seated. I wonder if this occurred today, whether Jesus would distribute hamburgers, hot dogs, or portobello mushrooms! When all have had their fill, Jesus tells the disciples to gather up all the scraps. After they do, they have filled 12 baskets full. When they see this miracle they think Jesus is a prophet and they want to make him a king. Jesus wants no part of it, so he withdraws and goes up the mountain, by himself, to rest.
What can we learn from this lesson? How might it inform today’s congregational ministries? As I was preparing this sermon I came across a commentary by Karen Marie Yust, Professor of Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia who had some great insights. I’ve adapted some of them about church ministry in the following scenario.
Let’s use our imaginations for just a moment. The setting could be any church in today’s world. The congregation has planned worship and a picnic outside on their beautifully landscaped property and Jesus is there with them. All of a sudden a large crowd appears because they know Jesus is in the midst of this congregation and they seek what he has to offer.
Jesus says to the president and the church council. “Where are we to buy bread for all these people to eat?” He is testing them. He knows what he is going to do. One might expect the council members to echo Philip’s financial concern, pointing out that the church does not take in enough money to support such a large picnic. The outreach committee might reinforce Andrew’s position, stating that the congregation has earmarked only a small percentage of its income for mission giving and the proposed needs far exceed the allocated amount. Worship and Music may not even offer an opinion. They are busy preparing for the fast-approaching worship service. The property committee may assist with seating everyone on the lawn, but some of their members might worry about the effects this event will have on the grass. It is likely that none of the congregation’s committees would expect to participate in a miracle. After all, it’s not what they signed on for. They serve out of a sense of duty, or because they enjoy the work, or to contribute to a cause larger than themselves. Instead they identify a few reasonable goals, set some plans they think will work into motion, and carry out their attempts with the resources they have at hand. They don’t expect that their work would be a way for God’s glory and mercy to break forth into the world, but rather as a means to facilitate the congregation’s survival. Have their expectations and activities lost their prophetic edge? Perhaps!
But, what if this same church worked together to share Jesus’ vision of revealing God’s power and glory through each of their ministries? What would worship and outreach look like if it pointed to Christ’s abundance in response to people’s hunger? The point of this story suggests that the focus of ministry is not about what good people decide is reasonable to undertake in order to meet basic needs. Rather, ministry is about multiplying resources so that what might have been a social handout becomes an unveiling of God’s amazing grace. Simply put ministry is not about scarcity, but about God’s abundance! Ministry should leave people realizing that prophets of transformation are active in the world bringing hope to souls weary of oppressive social systems and values.
Yet, the temptation in times of religious decline is to use good works as marketing tools, with the hope that their posting of activities on FaceBook, Instagram or their website will generate interest among prospective members. Pastors and lay leaders may enjoy acknowledgment of their value and worth in the community as agents of transformation. But Jesus models a different response to social approval. Notice how Jesus withdraws from the public limelight to reflect in solitude on his ministry.
My point is that faith communities need to balance periods of intense ministry with times of reflection on God’s call. Spiritual introspection helps congregations remain faithful to Christ. Ignatius of Loyola developed a set of spiritual exercises to assist individuals in regular examinations of conscience so that each person might learn, “to desire and elect only the thing which is more conducive to the end for which I was created,” which is “to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord.” In other word’s its not about me, but it’s about Thee!
Questions we might ask ourselves in this time of transition could be: How might we use not only our tangible assets, but our spiritual gifts to glorify our maker and redeemer? Where might this familiar story of Jesus serving up fish sandwiches take us? How might we choose to embrace the power and authority of Jesus, which has the capacity to do amazing things that transcend the norm.
Isn’t it remarkable that this large crowd feels compelled to see Jesus. They are so drawn by the power of his presence and work, that they are oblivious of their physical needs. Equally amazing, Jesus resists the temptation to glory in the people’s enthusiasm. Instead, he retreats.
What constitutes “miracle,” the movement of the Spirit, in this story and in our everyday lives? Where might there be miracles in our interactions, moments of challenge and insight, or the sharing of our lives and our food? Do we see gifts of grace that transcend our expectations? Regardless of how we understand “miracle,” we are invited to consider our idea of limits and possibilities. Jesus sheds light on the narrow-minded, limited perspectives of his disciples. For them, the math is obvious: five loaves plus two fish divided by five thousand equals disaster—hordes of hungry, grouchy people. For Jesus, it appears that the problem is not hunger but rather a lack of faith and, perhaps, imagination.
What if we could see the entire ripple effect of even a minor act of kindness we offer? Faith that God’s power is active in our world is imperative. Whatever we do matters no matter how small. Jesus’ cares for people’s practical, physical, daily needs. He is life affirming and cares for the whole person—body and spirit. Furthermore, Jesus does not simply meet the minimum requirements in feeding the crowd. He lavishes food—a feast—on them. There were even leftovers! How might our lives and ministries embody this spirit of abundance?
Jesus transcends our expectations on many levels. He feeds the multitude and provides hospitality, but also embraces a child’s gifts. Jesus also challenges all of us who have ever said, “It is not enough; it will never work.” Jesus was at work setting the people free from hunger, from perceived limitations, and from disbelief.
Bread and fish…you might say, “Fish Sandwiches” were ubiquitous in Jesus day. But in our modern world hamburgers, hot dogs, and portobello mushrooms prevail. And that is what is on the menu today. But no matter what is on the menu, God is with us, God loves us, and God will supply what is needed for us to serve and to thrive.
In Jesus name,
Amen.