Miracles surfaced from Elisha’s wake during his years of ministry. In one situation, a hungry crowd sat hoping for a something to eat, but knew the kitchen was out of food. A man arrived with 20 small loaves of barley bread.

Elisha, calling on God, opened the meal. As his servant handed out bread, Elisha confidently assured this is what the Lord says; “They will eat and have some left over.”

Which proved true. Everyone filled their bellies and indeed had leftovers. Elisa fed 100 grown men through this miraculous breaking of bread.

Elisha’s feast points to a later feeding. With less food—only 5 loaves and 2 fish—Jesus fed more people—5,000 men plus women and children. Twelve baskets of leftovers lay among the satisfied crowd.

Elisha didn’t realize what future his meal of barley bread portended. Thanks to the perspective of our time in history, we understand the difference. Jesus fed more people, dropped miracles like change from his pockets, and opened the way to the God Elisha proclaimed.

Jesus changed even the miracle business. When I’m uncertain of my future it helps to remember—Jesus is so much more.

2 Kings 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Markus Spiske