You've probably said these words, in some form, to your kids when they needed something to be fixed, or to an employee or coworker when they needed assistance with a project. It's a command that exhibits confidence, strength, or assurance. "Do you need help with that? Bring it here to me."

The story of Jesus feeding the multitude of five thousand is a familiar one. After Jesus heard the news of the execution of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a desolate place to be alone.  But the crowds followed him on foot, and when he went ashore, he saw a great crowd. Having compassion on them, he began healing the sick. As evening approached, the disciples urged him to tell everyone to go away into the village to buy food. I’m sure they were confused when he told them they didn’t need to buy food. He told the disciples to feed them, but the only food they had were five loaves and two fish. They knew it was impossible to feed all those people with what they had.

Then Jesus said to them, “Bring them here to me.”  It was an authoritative command, full of assurance, and they gave the loaves and the two fish to Jesus. He ordered the crowd to sit down and he looked to heaven and blessed it. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples. After everyone had eaten their fill, there were 12 baskets of food left over.

It is easy to focus our attention only on the miracle in this story. Only Jesus could do what he did! But when I read the story, I see something more about Jesus. The disciples were faced with an impossible task of feeding the large multitude of people. Yes, Jesus had directed them to do it, but there was no way they could do that on their own.  But when Jesus said, “Bring them to me,”  the disciples surrendered the food to him, and he miraculously multiplied it as they handed it out to the crowd.

When you are faced with an impossible situation, Jesus says, “Bring it to me.” He knows your limitations and he is willing to give you what you need to deal with any situation. Surrender your need to him and trust him to see you through.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30