1Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias),2and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.3Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4The Jewish Passover Festival was near.
5When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wagesa to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
8Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
14After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. (John 6:1-15)
Thoughts: The Feeding of the Five Thousand is found in all four gospels, and is the only miracle (with the exception of the resurrection) found in all four. It is considered a miracle. John confirms this by contrasting the large need (half a year's wages to fee) with the small amount given to Christ- barley loaves were the least expensive grain, and the fish were small (like anchovies). John also confirms the miracle by the reaction of the people who experienced the miracle. They exclaimed that he was the prophet and they wanted to make him king. It was not (as some say) that Jesus simply enabled them to share their lunches. Jesus made an impression. In 6:23 mentions that the bread was multiplied after the Lord "gave thanks." It is in thankfulness that the provision of God is manifested. It is in offering our small provisions to Jesus that they are multiplied and bear fruit..
Prayer: Lord, take my small gifts and use them for your glory. I give you thanks for your provision.
No comments:
Post a Comment