Communion, Revelation, and the Intentional Multiplication of Jesus: The Mystery of the Wine, Bread, and Fish

Catherine Sackey, MPAP

A Communion Realization

Today was Communion Sunday at our church. As I held the cup and the bread in my hands—symbols of Christ’s sacrifice—I began reflecting on something deeper that stirred in my spirit.

Something multiplied. Something chosen. Something intentional. Wine. Bread. Fish.

These weren’t just items Jesus used to meet needs. They were messages—prophetic signs—selected with divine timing and eternal purpose. They revealed more than provision; they revealed the character, mission, and love of Christ. And then, I remembered Moses—how he had to wear a veil after encountering the glory of God, because the people couldn’t handle the light that shone from his face (Exodus 34). But Scripture tells us that in Christ, the veil is removed: “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away… and we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed…” (2 Corinthians 3:16–18) Jesus didn’t just lift the veil—He fulfilled everything Moses longed for. And he did it in moments that may seem ordinary on the surface, but carried deep supernatural significance. This devotional unpacks the three things Jesus multiplied—wine, bread, and fish—and how each one reveals who He is, why He came, and what that means for us today.

1. WINE – John 2:1–11

The Setting: A Wedding in Cana The Crisis: Joy has run out The Miracle: Ritual water becomes covenant wine

Jesus’ first public miracle didn’t happen in a holy sanctuary. It happened at a wedding. The wine—a symbol of joy, abundance, and covenant—had run out. In that cultural context, running out of wine was more than a hosting failure—it meant shame. Disappointment. A broken celebration. Mary brings the issue to Jesus. He replies that His hour has not yet come, but He acts anyway—quietly, humbly, and powerfully. He tells the servants to fill six stone jars used for ceremonial washing. These weren’t wine containers. They symbolized ritual purity, part of the old covenant system. And then, without fanfare, the water becomes the finest wine. “You have saved the best till now.” (John 2:10) This was more than hospitality. This was prophecy fulfilled.

Jesus, the Bridegroom

In that moment, Jesus was revealing Himself not only as the miracle-worker but as the Bridegroom. Throughout Scripture, God uses marriage language to describe His relationship with His people. “For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is His name…” (Isaiah 54:5) “For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7) The Church is the Bride. Jesus is the Bridegroom. And this miracle was the unveiling of a new covenant marked not by rules, but by relationship and rejoicing.

What This Means for Our Daily Lives

When joy runs out: You may be outwardly present—smiling, showing up—but inwardly, your joy is gone. Jesus starts His ministry by showing us: He restores joy when we have none left. He doesn’t criticize the emptiness—He fills it. When your life feels small: Cana was an overlooked town. Yet Jesus chose it for His first miracle. You don’t have to be prominent to experience the power of God. Jesus meets us in quiet places and reveals His glory when we least expect it. When covenant feels heavy: Whether it’s in marriage, friendships, or faith commitments, Jesus doesn’t just fix what’s broken. He brings new wine, better wine, and abundant grace into dry seasons. When religion has lost its meaning, Jesus uses ritual jars to usher in a relationship. He transforms duty into delight, and formality into fullness.

Jesus Is the Wine: The joy that never fades. The Bridegroom who rejoices over His Church. The One who turns ritual into relationship, and shame into celebration.

2. BREAD – Matthew 14:13–21; John 6

The Setting: A Deserted Place The Crisis: A crowd is hungry, and resources are few The Miracle: Five loaves feed thousands

After a long day of healing and teaching, the disciples suggest sending the crowds away. But Jesus says, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” All they had were five loaves and two fish—nowhere near enough. But Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to the people. “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” (Matthew 14:20) In this wilderness miracle, we see the pattern of redemption—A foretaste of what Jesus would later do with His own body: “This is my body, broken for you…” (Luke 22:19)

Jesus, the Bread of Life

In John 6, Jesus makes it clear: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” (John 6:35) This wasn’t just a miracle to feed bodies. It was a declaration of identity. Jesus is the true Manna—the provision from Heaven, not just for today, but for eternity.

What This Means for Our Daily Lives

When you’re in a wilderness: Are you exhausted? Facing spiritual dryness? Jesus meets people in desolate places—and provides abundantly, not just barely. When what you have feels too small, such as your gifts, time, or energy, they may seem like "not enough." But in Jesus’ hands, the little becomes more than enough. He’s not asking for perfection—just surrender. When you feel broken, Jesus doesn’t avoid brokenness. He works through it. His blessing flows through what’s broken and given. If you're in a broken season, know this: He can still feed multitudes through your life.

Jesus Is the Bread: The sustainer in every wilderness. The broken body that heals our brokenness. The daily nourishment for a hungry soul.

3. FISH – Luke 5:1–11; John 21:1–14

The Setting: The Sea of Galilee The Crisis: Labor without reward The Miracle: Empty nets become overflowing.

Peter and the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing. They were skilled fishermen. They had done everything right. And still—nothing. Then Jesus tells them: “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4) When they obey, the nets overflow. Later, after the resurrection, Jesus meets them again by the same sea—and performs the same miracle. Only this time, there is a fire, a breakfast waiting, and a conversation of restoration: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

Jesus, the Restorer of Purpose

Fish represent calling, commission, and harvest. Jesus didn’t just give fish—He was saying: “Your failure does not cancel your future. Your calling is still alive.” After denying Him, Peter was restored and recommissioned. And that same grace is extended to us.

What This Means for Our Daily Lives

When you’ve worked hard and seen no fruit, Jesus sees your efforts. Sometimes we fish all night and catch nothing—not because we’re unqualified, but because we’re being set up for divine timing. When you’ve failed Him: Peter had denied Jesus. He likely believed he was disqualified. But Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter—He fed him, and then called him again. Your failure doesn’t define you. Jesus restores you. When you’re ready to give up, Jesus meets the disciples on a familiar shore, with a fire already burning, fish cooking, and bread waiting. You don’t have to bring anything. He brings the meal. He brings the mercy.

Jesus Is the Fish: The Provider in places of past failure. The Restorer of calling. The Lord of the harvest, who multiplies purpose through surrender.

God’s Intentional Sequence: Wine → Bread → Fish

This is not random. It’s divine order.

1. Wine comes first – because joy and covenant prepare the heart

2. Bread comes next, because we need sustenance to endure the sacrifice

3. Fish comes last – because after resurrection comes restoration and purpose

Final Reflection: Jesus Is Not Just the Giver—He Is the Gift

Jesus didn’t just multiply what people needed. He became what they needed. At the table of communion, we don’t just remember a moment—we enter into a mystery. - He is the Wine – covenant joy, poured out for the Bride - He is the Bread – sustaining presence in brokenness - He is the Fish – risen Lord who restores, feeds, and sends And with unveiled faces, we see His glory—and we are changed. “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)