He Blesses What We Bring: Capturing the Miracle of Multiplication

There’s something profoundly humbling about witnessing a miracle unfold—even if it’s through the lens of a painting. Recently, I attempted to capture one of the most iconic miracles of Jesus: the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. It’s a challenge to convey abundance and provision in a still image, yet it is precisely this challenge that invites us into the mystery of God’s miraculous power.

“After everyone was seated, Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, and gazing into the heavenly realm he gave thanks for the food. Then, in the presence of his disciples, he broke off pieces of bread and fish, and kept giving more to each disciple to give to the crowd. It was multiplying before their eyes! So everyone ate until they were filled, and afterward the disciples gathered up the leftovers—it came to exactly twelve baskets full!”— Luke 9:15-17 (TPT)

In this painting, I focused on a close-up, intimate frame: one hand distributing from the basket and one hand receiving. By narrowing the scene, I hoped to invite viewers into the immediacy of the miracle—the moment of provision, the ongoing multiplication that takes place right before our eyes.

As I painted, I tried to place myself in that moment, imagining the basket replenishing again and again. The goal wasn’t to depict the miracle in its entirety but to capture the essence: God blesses what we bring. Even our small offerings, our limited resources, become vessels for His abundance.

This work serves as a reminder not to miss the miracle in the ordinary. Just as the disciples witnessed the multiplication of loaves and fishes, we too are invited to recognize the ways God multiplies our gifts, our efforts, and even our prayers. Sometimes, the miracle is not just in the fullness of provision but in the act of giving, receiving, and trusting Him to multiply what seems small.

May this painting encourage you to notice the divine multiplication happening in your own life. Even the smallest acts of faith, gratitude, and generosity can become the medium through which God reveals His abundance.