As we continue in this series ‘Signs-That You May Believe’, let’s revisit John 20:30-31(NIV) These two verses have the heading- ‘The Purpose of John’s Gospel’
30) Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31) But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
These signs that John has been sharing show us Jesus cares and Jesus is the Who and the What that we need.
The sign we will be looking at this week is Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6). We are all probably acquainted with this story. This sign actually shows up in all four of the Gospels. This sign really does point to the abundant provision of God.
Let’s first set up the scene with a little background. Matthew, Mark and Luke all note that just prior to Jesus feeding the crowd, His disciples had been sent out in pairs to preach, heal, and do the work of God. It was during that time that John the Baptist was beheaded. They regroup, meet up with Jesus, and get in a boat to get away by themselves. The Passover was just about to start and this meant many would be traveling to Jerusalem. Also, people had heard of Jesus and they wanted to see for themselves. (John 6:1-4 NIV).
This week we will look at this great sign that Jesus did and what we can take away to apply to our own lives. Take this question: Where do you need Jesus to meet you in your life? with you this week and see what God speaks to your heart.
MONDAY:
Read John 5:5-6, “When 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?” 6) He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.”
Do you notice the word “we” that Jesus used? God’s intention all along, since the very beginning was/is to include us in what He is doing in the world. Pastor Adam made the point that “God didn’t create a terrarium to fill with human pets.” We are all called to share in God’s purposes. Of course, sin entered through Adam and it is still causing a mess today, but we are restored in Christ. Just imagine for a moment that you are standing next to Jesus. You see this very large crowd gathered. Jesus turns to you and asks “Where shall we buy bread?” Do you feel overwhelmed? Where do you even begin? Let’s read Philip’s response: “Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (John 6:7) Do you relate to Philip with what you are facing today? Take some time to dwell on the truth that God longs to include us, He longs for us to be a partner with Him.
TUESDAY:
Take a moment to ponder your answer to the question, Where do I need Jesus to meet me in my life? Now consider this question, What have you decided is too big for God to handle? We know God is powerful, but maybe we’ve discounted His willingness or even His intentions. Maybe you feel the answers (or silence) makes you feel He doesn’t care. And maybe you noticed verse 6 “He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.” and think BINGO! I knew it-what’s the point of prayer? Jesus already had a plan! However, in Jesus' love for each of us, could it be that He is calling us to grow in our capacity to love, or our faith or becoming more Christlike through suffering? As an earthly parent ultimately wants their child to grow up and be an amazing adult, the parent knows that they cannot rescue the child from everything or they will never really learn those valuable lessons for themself. God is the ultimate Heavenly Father and He longs for us to trust Him so we can learn and grow. Take some time to identify where you may have decided that whatever you are facing is just “too big” for God and then ask Him to help you give it to Him. God has the resources and the power to accomplish His will!
WEDNESDAY:
Let’s read John 6:8-9 “Another 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?” Andrew seems to have faith, but then he questions how far those five small loaves and two small fish could even go. It’s almost like he was remembering the water being turned into wine, but then in his humanness he doubted. Pastor Adam noted that Philip sees the problem as too big and Andrew sees the resources as too small. Do you find yourself on both sides? In light of Andrew’s answer though ask yourself this question, “What have I decided is too little for God to work with?” Maybe when you look at yourself you feel inadequate. You may feel you have the desire and drive, but feel lacking in other ways. The main point? Start where you are, with what you have and see what God can do! This story is also about the boy with the food. In reading all the accounts (John 6:1-13//Matthew 14:13-21//Mark 6:32-44//Luke 9:10-17) we don’t read specifically if the boy approached them or if he was sitting nearby or if the disciples called for someone with food to go to the front. But there was a need and there was a resource (no matter how small compared to the need). God is NOT limited. He is sufficient. Have you already decided that whatever you have is too little for God to work with? Will you take some time to reconsider and look to God?
THURSDAY:
Let’s start today by reading John 6:10-11 “Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11) Jesus 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.” Do you wonder what the crowd was thinking as Jesus took that small amount of food and blessed it? What were the disciples thinking? At this point they had seen other signs (miracles), but clearly we still see a mixture of faith and doubt. But then…the food multiplied. We read in verses 12-13 “When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13) So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.“
Not only did God provide for their immediate need for food, BUT He provided more than enough! Have you experienced God’s “more than enough” provision in your own life? Take some time to thank Him for that. Maybe you are in a different season and you are needing to experience it in an area right now? Take a moment to pray and make your request known to God. Pastor Adam shared the “big idea” about this passage “Jesus uses the little we have to show us how big He is.” What a profound truth!
FRIDAY:
John 6:14-15 says, “After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15) Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.”
The people were referring to Moses' promise of a coming Prophet. Moses led the Israelites out of bondage, however he knew there would be another, One even greater. Jesus. The thing Jesus knows is that the people are wanting deliverance from Rome. They don’t recognize their need to be delivered from themselves! Jesus withdraws from them to be alone. And only 9 verses later we read all about Jesus: The Bread of Life! (John 6:25-59).Take some time to read this and see what God would speak to your heart.
SATURDAY:
Today ponder these questions:
“Where do you need Jesus to meet you in your life?
What’s bigger? Your problem or God?
How big is God?
May the Lord speak to your heart and meet you right where you are? But may you see just how big and sufficient God is today!!!