Day #152: John 6:1-21

A huge crowd kept following Jesus, mainly because of his miracles as he healed the sick. To continue teaching, Jesus went up into the hills (the Sea of Galilee is surrounded by hills) and sat down with his disciples. The crowds followed Jesus right up into the hills. As Jesus saw them, he asked Philip where they should buy bread to feed all these people. If anyone knew where to get food, Philip would because he was from Bethsaida, a town about nine miles away.

John clues us in: Jesus was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. In usual use, the word “test” (peirazo) has a neutral meaning. It refers to a proving experience like Jesus’ testing in the wilderness or Abraham’s test over the sacrifice of Isaac. In all these cases, God allowed the test to occur, not expecting failure, but placing the person in a situation where his or her faith might grow stronger. Jesus did not want Philip to miss what he was about to do.

Philip realized that with the number of people climbing in their direction, it would take a small fortune to feed them. But, in fact, Philip did not really answer Jesus’ question. The Lord had asked him to consider where they could get food; Philip responded with what he perceived as the larger problem—the money it would take to supply the food.

At this point, Andrew (who is usually presented in the Gospels as Simon Peter’s brother and takes a subordinate position to him) took advantage of an opportunity to join the discussion. Apparently a young boy who had overheard the conversation pulled out his lunch and made it available. It was Andrew who inadvertently answered Jesus’ original question. He pointed out that the only available food was the boy’s lunch: five barley loaves and two fish. (Barley loaves and fish were food for the poor.) Then Andrew added the disclaimer: “But what good is that with this huge crowd?”

What was offered was enough for Jesus. He told the disciples to have everyone sit down. The men (the Greek word means “male individuals”) numbered five thousand. So with women and children, there were many more, possibly as many as fifteen thousand. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and passed them out to the people. The fish were also distributed in like manner. After all had eaten and were full, they still had leftovers; the disciples filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over. This miracle and these leftovers reveal Jesus once again as the all-sufficient Lord. Our needs and problems are not obstacles to him, for his abundant power transcends any need or problem we place before him.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Lord, increase my faith. Forgive me when I doubt or when I worry. I 100% absolutely know Your character and trust Your ways. There are so many needs Lord. The needs of the church. The needs of our missionaries. The needs of our pastors and staff. The needs of our people. The needs of the valley. Lord, meet these needs. Bind up the brokenhearted and heal those that are sick. Make a way for people to overcome the obstacles in their lives. Protect our people and provide for everyone of their needs.

"It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that He exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 (MB)