When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. John 6:14-15
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 6:1-15. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. This same account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand is in all of the other gospels -Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, and Luke 9:10-17.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus acts with intention as He has lesson plans in mind for those following Him, particularly the disciples. In John's account of this miracle, we see Jesus testing Philip in vv5-7 as any good teacher does to get a student to think and come to answer on His own. Yet Jesus, omniscient as He is, knew not only what Philip would say but also what Simon Peter (see vv8-9) would say and do. A key lesson here of course is that in our feelings of scarcity, we should lean on Him to provide as He is source of all provision. Another key lesson here is found in vv12-13 where Jesus instructs the disciples to "[g]ather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost." Jesus provides while at the same time, we are to be good stewards of what He provides and not waste or squander what He provides. All of what He provides is to be used for His glory.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: People very often have feelings of scarcity or doubt that Jesus provides. This is probably one of the more prevalent or visible doubts that people have. We also see how people can be more interested in their physical needs then their spiritual needs - see v2 where the crowd is following Jesus not because of what He is teaching but because of what Jesus is able to do for the sick. V14 describes how the people rightly saw Jesus as the Prophet promised from the OT. Yet this same crowd sought (by force) to crown Jesus as an earthly king - see v15 - and Jesus withdrew at this point. Nothing can stop God's plan and we should seek His will not our own.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not worry about how God provides for all of our needs. Be a good steward of what God provides. Trust in Jesus.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves, saves and provides. Thank You. I am not deserving of such love and salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
