A group of little children were sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to him teach. There was a great crowd of people, but there was always room for the children to be near the Master. They heard Andrew, one of the disciples as he said to Jesus. “Master, the people are hungry. Let’s send them into town so they can buy food.”
But Jesus said, “You feed them. Andrew looked surprised and began talking about not having any food or the money to feed such a huge crowd of people.
While they talked, Philip went to Andrew and tugged at his robe. “I’ll share my bread and fishes. Mama fixed them for me.” He held up his little basket.
Andrew turned to Jesus, “Master, this little fellow has offered his lunch. But what good can that do for so many?”
Jesus and Philip answered with a song…
PUT IT IN MY HANDS
JESUS: Put it in my hands with the faith of a child.
Put it in my hands, trusting all the while.
Put it in my hands and you will see it grow;
become a blessing to us all, to body and to soul.
PHILIP: Master, take my bread, take my fishes, too.
Use them as you will,
Master, I love you!
Master, take my life; take the things I do.
Use them as you will,
Master, I love you.
JESUS: Put it in my hands, I’ll bless and break it here.
Put it in my hands, I’ll multiply your share.
With you in my hands we’ll feed a hungry world;
make a banquet rich and sweet
and fill them with God’s word!
Jesus thanked Philip for the bread and fishes and, taking them into his hands, bowed his head and asked God’s blessing on them. The children watched and laughed with delight as he began handing the food to the disciples. First, one fish, then two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight! More and more fish! And more and more bread! Soon, all the mothers and fathers as well as all the children had been fed as much as they could possibly hold, and Jesus told his disciples to pick up the leftovers. Twelve baskets full!
“That’s our friend!” laughed the children; and they all tried to hug him at once!
From “A Child’s View of Easter” Donna Swanson c.2008