John 6:1-14
Notes
Transcript
Jesus is the compassionate and miracle working God
Jesus is the compassionate and miracle working God
Introduction:
In our passage, John introduced us again to one of the miracle signs of Jesus to prove that He is not just any wise teacher, nor Prophet, but the one true God from heaven who can perform miracles that only God can…He came to give eternal life.
The purpose of this narrative is to exhort those who are seeking, those who are hungry and discontent…to find contentment and true life in Jesus Christ…the all-knowing compassionate God who is sovereign over all things!
I. The Curios Crowd (vv.1-3)
I. The Curios Crowd (vv.1-3)
They have seen the signs (healing of the sick in chap 4 and 5)
They want to witness more miracles.
Having seen His miracles, they no doubt looked at Jesus either as a magician to entertain them or as a
Some people follow Jesus for the benefits only and not Jesus himself.
II. The Problem with no solution in sight (vv.4-9)
II. The Problem with no solution in sight (vv.4-9)
The Passover is a Jewish Feast that commemorates the Israelites deliverance from the bondage of Egypt, lead by the man of God named Moses. John mentioned the Passover to somehow give the readers a comparison between Moses and Jesus and how great Jesus is compared to Moses (chap 5:45-46)
Where can we get food? How can we get food? This is a desolate place (c.f Moses = dessert)
Philip, who comes from this place was asked by Jesus, to test him.
For Philip, he calculated that 200 denari is not enough (8 months of wage). (v.7). He is right! This is a big problem for man. But Jesus is about to multiply Philip’s faith.
Andrew offered a somewhat offered a questionable solution (here is a boy with food enough for himself…) (v.9). Are you serious Andrew? He even questioned himself “what are these for so many people?”.
III. The Solution That Only Jesus Can Provide (vv.10-11)
III. The Solution That Only Jesus Can Provide (vv.10-11)
The Solution to the problem of not having food to eat is Jesus himself.
Jesus showed compassion to the crowd even though He knew what they were really after. He did not told them to go home hungry and discontent. Luke 12:6–7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”
Jesus showed that He is omnipotent and sovereign over matter/food (only a God can do)
Jesus multiplied what was so little to become more than enough.
This is a preparation for people to see that Jesus himself is the bread of life who can solve the hunger of the soul.
IV. The Response of the Disciples (vv. 12-13)
IV. The Response of the Disciples (vv. 12-13)
Jesus instructed them to gather the leftovers. A lesson that God does not want to waist resources even if He has many.
Before that, they were instructed to have the people sit down...
They obeyed Jesus, instead of murmuring or arguing with Jesus and say “why? let them go home instead because we have no food to feed them...let’s be practical...”
Reflection: I must obey even when I don’t understand what God is doing.
Andrew’s seemingly questionable / useless suggestion was actually very useful!
V. The Response of the Crowd (v.14)
V. The Response of the Crowd (v.14)
They experienced a miracle that have never been done before.
They concluded that Jesus is the “Prophet who is to come to the world”. They were expecting for a Prophet to come because Moses said so, Deuteronomy 18:15 “15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him.”
They are half right and half wrong. Jesus is not just a Prophet…Jesus did came to the world from heaven.
Many people can come up with a wrong conclusion about Jesus, like the people who said that Jesus is a Prophet.
The Gospel:
Jesus provides not only temporal means for people to be saved from hunger or from any human necessities to survive... Jesus provides eternal means for people to be saved from the impending judgment. The Gospel is God’s way to bring fullness of life to those who follow Jesus.
Proper Response:
Come to Jesus so you can be fed not just with earthly food, most importantly for your spiritual food.
Trust in the compassionate heart of Jesus as you wait for his provision.
Like Andrew, you don’t have to have the whole solution to the problem, you contribute what little you can.
Like the child, share whatever little resource you have for it will bless others when given to Jesus.
I will share any little thing I have to glorify the LORD and to bless others. Allow the LORD to multiply it.
Conclusion:
Jesus is our ultimate provider and sustainer in times of need. Look up to Jesus! He is compassionate and he knows when is the best time give us what we need so that our faith in Him may multiply!
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