Theme: CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Text: “And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” – John 6:11,12
Comment: The hallmark of social justice is fair distribution of resources and opportunities. Objectivity is the key to ensuring that scarce resources are distributed equally and that opportunities that avail themselves go round equally as well. Jesus Christ had compassion on “a great company” that came unto him, so that when “five barley loaves, and two small fishes” were taken from a lad and given to him, after he had “given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would” until “they were filled.” About five thousand men who gathered received equally from the barley loaves, and the fishes, until they were filled. By that, our Lord and Master left us an example of caring and providing for those in need. (John 6:4-14. Compare 1 Peter 2:21-24) We should ensure that those whom we come in contact with in life are satisfied that they had had a fair deal.
Also, we should not be wasteful because such conduct does not conduce to fairness and growth in any society. This we learn from the passage, in that Christ instructed the disciples should “gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” The point here is that resources are scarce, so when we block leakages and wastages, we should have enough to distribute to those in need by the grace of God. See Nehemiah 8:10.