“And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.’ Therefore, they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” John 6: 11-14 (NKJV).
John records Jesus and His disciples right beside the Sea of Galilee. The setting is on a green hillside, where waves are rolling onto the shore. The disciples are there with Jesus; they’re longing for his teachings and to see His miracles.
We learn that a large crowd gathers with the Master and the disciples. People have discovered Jesus’ message and the power He possesses, and now they want to experience it firsthand. The disciples cannot figure out how many people will be able to find food. A young lad has a small lunch, five loaves of bread, and two fish. This is what will be needed to feed not only the men, but also the women and children.
Jesus took the loaves, blessed them, and the disciples gave them out. Our Lord demonstrates His divinity and that He is the One who always provides.
While in Israel, I remember looking toward that hillside, to where it is believed this miracle took place. It was hard to imagine five thousand men, the women, and children scattered all around. I thought of Philip not knowing where all the food would come from. He was wondering how they would come up with the money to buy it. Jesus let Philip sweat a little because our Lord knew how the food would show up. Andrew found a young boy who had brought his lunch with him.
With it, the Lord performed such an amazing miracle that He fed them all. Then the Scriptures tell us that there were 12 baskets of leftovers.
God takes care of His children. He always provides for them. Isn’t this an amazing thought? That no matter what we face in this life, or how difficult things become, God can handle it.
I believe the Lord’s prayer is the High Priestly prayer in John 17. I believe that in the prayer Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, He provides for our daily needs. He sustains us and always makes provision.
On occasions, we may be like Philip, asking, “Where are the resources going to come from, Lord?” Maybe we are so distraught that we look for earthly answers when God already has a Heavenly solution. Don’t you know that Philip, along with the faith of others, was strengthened that day? Now, understand many were looking for an earthly king and still didn’t understand His teaching. Many wanted a temporary sign but needed an eternal lesson on who He truly was and what He came to do.
Jeremy Dykes – CBC Ex. Board
