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Book of John - Chapter 6 - Verse 12

6:12
When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus demonstrates a powerful lesson in resourcefulness and stewardship to his disciples. After feeding the multitude with just five barley loaves and two fish, Jesus instructs his disciples to gather up the leftover fragments. This simple act of gathering the fragments serves as a metaphor for how we should approach life - being mindful of waste and valuing what we have been given. By collecting the remaining pieces, Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of not taking blessings for granted and being grateful for the abundance that has been provided. This verse also emphasizes the importance of not wasting or overlooking the small blessings in life, but rather cherishing them and being good stewards of all that we have been given. It serves as a reminder to us all to not only appreciate the abundance in our lives, but also to ensure that we do not let anything go to waste, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse "When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost," suggests that it highlights the value of not wasting resources. In this instance, Jesus is instructing his disciples to collect the leftover fragments of food after feeding the multitude. This can be seen as a lesson in stewardship and conservation, encouraging us to be mindful of not only our physical resources but also our spiritual gifts. The idea of gathering up the fragments symbolizes the importance of not letting anything go to waste, whether it be tangible goods or intangible blessings. This verse emphasizes the need to be good stewards of what we have been given, and to value and appreciate every little thing, no matter how small it may seem.

American Standard Version

And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.
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