Biblical Number

There are obvious biblical  associations with the figure 12. Two examples being the 12 tribes of Israel found in the Old Testament and the parallel  with the 12 disciples of the New Testament. The number 12 is one of the foundations of Scripture as it symbolises God's power and authority, as well as serving as a perfect basis for government. It can also symbolise  completeness or the nation of Israel as a whole.

Elsewhere, the number 12 symbolises completeness and cosmic order, often associated with new beginnings, spiritual growth, and the integration of harmony and balance in various aspects of life.

One particular mention of the number 12 that we can so easily overlook is when Jesus performs the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples gather 12 baskets full of leftovers. I wonder why the gospel writers include this seeming insignificant fact, particularly in that there was one basket for each apostle?

I really don't think Jesus' only concern was avoiding waste or not leaving a mess. No, I believe he really wanted to leave an indelible memory on his closest friends. Once Jesus returned to the Father, these men would be faced with impossible challenges. They would find themselves in situations they couldn't begin to handle on their own. 

This one memory would remind them again and again that the power was from Jesus, not from their strength or resources. They had picked up the scraps with their own hands. They had carried the baskets. They had seen the boy's picnic lunch that had fed the huge crowd. Those leftovers were the tangible grace of Jesus that was left for them to touch. Nothing could be a more powerful reminder that their meagre resources, touched with prayer, could meet the needs of others and much, much more.

Prayer

Father, let me experience the leftovers of your mighty work after having stepped out in faith. I believe you can move mountains, heal diseases, and perform works that I can neither comprehend nor imagine. But, dear Father, I am always happy to pick up the leftovers from such events! Show me the leftovers. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.