It was the afternoon of a warm June day. Miss Spratt
was sitting in her garden in the shade of the great oak tree, when suddenly
the gate swung open and in came her two little friends, Bob and Peter.
"Have you time to tell us a story?" asked Bob.
"Oh, please do," begged Peter.
Miss Spratt seemed to have an endless supply of stories and she
was always glad to tell them to Bob and Peter because they were so attentive.
As the boys settled themselves on the grass at her feet, Miss Spratt began:
"You have both heard the story in Sunday School about the miracle
of the loaves and fishes, haven't you?"
"Yes," said the boys in unison.
"Well, this story is one I imagined about a boy the Bible mentions
who might have been there when Jesus performed that miracle:
Long, long ago in a far away land lived a lad whom we shall call
James. In those days there were no cars, buses, nor street cars and the people
walked from one place to another. It was not uncommon for them to join a group
and walk for miles to some place of interest.
It was at this time that Jesus was going about the country, talking
to the people about God, and healing those who were sick. Many people followed
Him; some because they loved Him, others because they wanted to learn from Him
or be healed, and others went just to be with the crowd.
James had heard his parents and the neighbors talk of Jesus and the
wonderful things He did, and wished that he, too, might see this great man.
One morning as James sat before the house, some people passed and in
their friendly way called to the young lad:
"We have heard that Jesus is nearby and we are going to see Him.
Won't you come along?"
James was delighted at the prospect of a journey and the
possibility of seeing this man of whom he had heard so much. So he ran to his
mother and asked if he might go on a holiday with the people from the village.
His mother consented and hastily wrapped several barley loaves and two small
fishes left from the morning meal, slipping them into James' pocket, well
knowing that a small lad might get hungry before he returned home.
With a parting kiss and a joyful heart James ran out of the house
and down the road to join the others. It was such fun to be off on an
adventure!
All along the way others joined their party until the road was filled,
and still they kept coming from every direction. Everyone was talking about
Jesus and what He had done. James was so thrilled and happy, that he never
thought of being tired or hungry. And now, in the distance, they could see a
great gathering of people on the hillside. They hastened their steps to join
them, for there was Jesus talking and teaching many things. The words of Jesus
were so filled with wonder and interest that the listening crowd forgot about
time and food.
But now, it was late afternoon and one of Jesus' disciples suggested
that the people be sent away to get something to eat. Jesus said, "They need
not go; it is far to their homes. We shall feed them here. Look among them and
see how much food they have."
When James heard them talking about food he felt hungry and remembered
the lunch his mother had given him. As he took it from his pocket he looked up
and saw one of Jesus' disciples going through the crowd, speaking to each one.
It seemed that the man was asking the people if they had food, but each one
shook his head.
Was James the only one who had brought lunch? What should he do —
spread out his few loaves and tiny fishes and eat before all that crowd? He
was very hungry. While he was puzzling these questions, Jesus' disciple came
up to him and asked if he might have the food to give to Jesus. James felt a
sudden desire to cry. He wanted his lunch, and yet he wanted to give it, for
hadn't the man said that it was for Jesus? So, without a word he handed the
parcel of food to the disciple, then sat down relieved. He was sure he had
done what his mother would have wanted him to do. Then he heard the disciples
telling everyone to sit down. When all were seated in groups on the green
grass, James saw Jesus pick up his loaves and fishes and look toward heaven.
What was Jesus going to do with his lunch? James watched eagerly. Now
Jesus was speaking words as He continued to look up - words that sounded
somewhat like the prayer James' mother said at mealtime a prayer of thanks.
A thrill went over James as he realized that Jesus was holding his
loaves and fishes and giving thanks for them before that great crowd. Oh, how
glad he was that he had given the food to the disciple! He didn't even feel
hungry now, he was so filled with joy.
How surprised he was when Jesus broke the loaves and fishes and
handed them to the disciples who in turn served them to the people not to just
one or two, but to everyone. Why, there was plenty of food for all! How
could it be? James knew there were only a few loaves and two small fish in his
package, and now just see - everyone in that great crowd was eating, and oh,
how good it tasted. James was sure that food had never been so satisfying. He
longed to hurry home and tell his mother and father about it.
When the people had eaten all they wanted, there was still food
remaining: so they picked it up and put it in baskets so as not to waste any.
Then Jesus sent the people away, for it was evening and time for them to go to
their homes.
James joined the group going his way, but he was not the same lad who
had left home that morning. He felt changed inside such a warm, singing
feeling. It seemed as though he were walking on air, his feet scarcely
touching the ground. Never would he forget this day. Just to think that he had
had something to give the great man, Jesus - something Jesus could really use.
And though his gift seemed small, because of Jesus' blessing it had increased
until all could share it.
"What a wonderful lesson and what a wonderful day," thought James. "I
shall remember always to give thanks for what I have, and share it with
others."
As he said good-bye to his friends and entered the door of his home, he called, "Mother, I'm back."
James' mother hastened to greet him. Surely her boy must be weary
after such a long journey. But she stopped and looked at him with wonder. How
happy he was, how refreshed! A new light shone on his face and all about him -
it seemed to fill the room. And then, when he told her what had happened that
day, she understood and was glad. She knew James was happy because he had
given his best.
When Miss Spratt finished her story, Peter said, "I sure wish I could
have been there." "I'd be very proud to give my lunch to Jesus," said Bob.
"Do you know," said Miss Spratt, "that there are many ways in which
you boys can serve Jesus and help others just as James did? Whenever you
smile, or whistle a cheerful tune, or do something kind, you are sharing your
good with others. Many people are as hungry for love and joy as those people
were for food. When Mother asks you to do something, and you do it willingly
and cheerfully, you are giving your gifts to Jesus, just as surely as James
did. Jesus came to teach us to love one another and to give freely. And now, I
think it's time for two young men to be going home to supper."
"Yes-sir-ee, come on, Bob," said Peter as he jumped up, "and thank you
for the swell story, Miss Spratt. We'll remember what you said about how we
can give, too."
"Good-bye," called Bob, as he followed Peter out the gate.
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