Manna and the Bread of Life (Part 2): Faithbuilding from an answer to a need
17th October 2008
Passage: John 6:1-13 (also Matt 14:13-21, Mar 6:32-44, Luke 9:10-17)
Introduction
Do good things only happen to good people?
When does God bless you in your life?
What do you think is God’s heart when it comes to blessing people?
Orientation
Where did this story take place?
Near Bethsaida near the shore of the sea of Galilee
When did it take place?
Around the time of the Passover
Who is involved in this story?
God the father, Jesus, Philip, Andrew, the multitude
This is the only story featuring in all four gospels!!!
Scripture
Verse 1: After these things… What does this signify?
A new order of things…
Why did the ‘great multitudes’ follow Jesus?
Because he performed miracles. They were attracted by his power.
What was Jesus heart when He saw the people? Read Matthew 14:14
He was moved by compassion, also look at Mark 6:34 (reason why he had compassion)
The time of the Passover. What is the significance of the Passover?
Time of remembrance for the deliverance of the Hebrews
Why did Jesus test Philip? What was Philip’s answer?
Philip’s old hometown Bethsaida (John 1:44) six hundred silver coins ~ 7 months wages. He basically said there wasn't enough money to buy food for everyone.
What was Andrew’s answer? 5L2F only! He said there were to many to feed.
What is the significance of both apostles’ answers and how do they differ?
(a) Andrew’s answer was that of the greatness of the need; Philip was an answer of scarceness of resources. This shows the common responses we as believers have when facing a problem but we fail to recognise the solution is standing in front of us: Jesus
What is the significance of the five loaves and two fishes?
Barley loaves were the cheapest bread you could fine during those days. The rich upper classes ate bread made from ground wheat. Normally in the Bible, the Greek word for fish is 'icthus' but here, the Greek word 'opsarion' is used instead and this refers to salted, preserved fish. This shows how humble the boy's lunch was.
What was Jesus’ first action?
(b) He gave thanks. Col 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Whatever little you have, give thanks for it! If you have back pains and you feel like crap, give thanks for every part of your body that is working fine and God will multiply your health back to you! If you have little money and worry about not having enough to eat, give thanks for your scarce resources, place them in God's hands and He shall multiply them back to you! Take these things by faith and you shall see that he is Jehovah Jireh (literally, God is my provision)
How many people were present at the miracle?
Read Matthew 14:21 around 20 thousand. Men were oftne placed in more importance and hence were mentioned in writing. There were five thousand MEN but they also had their wives and children with them as well.
How did Jesus begin his miracle?
© Sit down! The LORD makes me lie down in green pastures. He broke the bread first then distributed to the disciples. Picture of Jesus’ body Matthew 14:19 Broken once for all but continuous dispensing. If you read the Greek context, the word broken is a verb which connotates a single finite action whereas the word for distributing is a continuous action. In the same way, Jesus body was broken once for every believer but His body is still being dispensed today in the communion and when we feed on His word.
When did the supply of food stop?
(d) When everyone had enough to eat! The supply was greater than the need! Refer to 2 Kings 4
Jesus demonstrates that He does not waste anything. Why were there 12 baskets left of food?
For the disciples and their families. By the way, the disciples all had wives and children as well. It shows that God does not forget those who are serving him. The 12 baskets also represent the 12 tribes of Israel for it is written that when Jesus comes back, He will not forget His chosen people and he will save all of them.
Reflection
How do we respond when we are faced with challenges? How should we respond after learning from Philip and Andrew?
Why is it so important to sit down at the feet of Jesus?
How does this miracle reflect Jesus’ mission?
How can I rejoice and receive the blessings of God?
What are my five loaves and two fishes?
Application
Understand that our God is a generous God!
When the blessings flow, take it!
Give thanks for whatever little you have that God may bless it and make it grow abundantly
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