My Mom and grandmother always made sure I had a fantastic lunch every day in elementary school. Roast beef, turkey, peanut butter and jelly, and even leftover meatloaf were all regulars in my lunch bag. Sometimes a friend at my table forgot his lunch and if his family didn't drop it off, our teachers would cajole us to share with him.

My family always kept a close watch to make sure I never stepped over the threshold without my brown bag.

I look at the boy with five small barley and loaves and five fish in John 6, and I feel like I can relate to him. He planned ahead, perhaps his mother sent him off with enough food to last the whole day. Things were looking good for him until Jesus asked Philip to feed the people.

If I were in the boy's shoes, I may have begun backing away from Jesus at this point. I had enough foresight to pack a lunch. Hardly anyone else thought of that when they paddled after Jesus all over the lake. Why should I hand over my lunch?

Perhaps the boy in John's account came forward, sharing his food with Jesus. However, all we know is that Andrew spotted him. Regardless of how he felt, the boy brought his food to Jesus.

At this point the boy had no idea what Jesus was going to do. In fact, John notes that only Jesus knew what was about to happen. In the moment between the boy holding the food and Jesus working the multiplication miracle, there is a brief moment of faith. The boy had to let go, to give his food to Jesus, and to trust that somehow things would work out.

He didn't know what Jesus had in store for him or anyone else present.

Because he trusted Jesus enough to hand over his possessions, he not only enjoyed a full meal, everyone else present took part in the benefits of Jesus' tremendous meal. Instead of simply returning home with a full stomach, this boy enabled everyone else to fill up on fish and bread, while revealing the power of Jesus.

The power of Jesus was always present, but the entire story hinges on that moment when the boy let go of his bread and fish. The blessings in store for everyone could only begin in the moment of surrender and faith as the boy let Jesus use his meal. With one small step of faith, this boy reveals just how many can be blessed by a little faith in Jesus.