John 6 5000 Meals

Faith In Christ Jesus:

Faith is, first, that the character and motives of the Lord Jesus make Him worthy of trust. Second, having confidence in His ability to do just what He says He will do. Finally, taking of your self out of your own keeping and entrusting your self into Jesus’ keeping. 2 Timothy 1:12 is the perfect example of all three aspects of faith: (1) for I know whom I have believed, and (2) am persuaded that he is able to keep that which (3) I have committed unto him against that day. We are studying the Gospel of John, answering these questions: What is revealed of Jesus’ character or characteristics, motives, and abilities? What is indicated that you could confidently commit into Jesus’ keeping?

John 6:1-13, The Passover!

Verse 1, “After these things…” That is, after the events of John 5, and after the final call of His first disciples and the miraculous draught of fishes (As recorded in Matt. 4:12-18, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11). Also, after the death of John the Baptist, there was no other to follow (John 6:68 “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”). Still echoing in people’s hearts were John’s words, “Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.”

Verse 4, “The Passover,… was nigh.” Here, that LAMB supplies BREAD to a crowd consisting of many who would soon be on their way to Jerusalem for Passover! The location of the miracle was on the way many had to take to get there.

What was Jesus revealing about His mission?
What was He revealing about Himself?

Exodus 12 describes the memorial ordinance known as “The Lord’s Passover”.

V. 5; Lamb without blemish
V. 6; Kill it in the evening
V. 7; Blood on the door posts
V. 8; Roasted, unleavened bread, bitter herbs
V. 10; No “leftovers” allowed!
V.11; Eat it in haste
V.13; “and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy [you]”

John 6:1-13, The Meal!

John 6:5-6, “When Jesus then lifted up [his] eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.”

Why ask Philip this? Read John 1:43, 6:5, 12:21, and 14:8 with context for each. This “snapshot” of Philip reveals something about him. More importantly, it reveals how well Jesus understood Philip and encouraged his spiritual growth.

How does knowing that help you to trust Jesus more?

John 6:9, “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?”

What about the menu seems striking to you? Luke 5:6 is the event of Peter’s 2^nd call. Twice Peter saw Jesus feed thousands (Mark 8:19-20). Finally, in John 21, Jesus fed Peter and friends after the resurrection. By these things Jesus is often reminding Peter of his commission and commitment. Luke 5:10-11, “Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

What reminds you of, and urges you to return to, Jesus’ call on your life?

John 6:10, “Now there was much grass in the place.” This reminds me of Psalm 23. Perhaps you should read that now. John 6:12-13 document the satisfaction of the “sheep” and the “cup runneth over” abundant supply!

What does this reveal to you about Jesus’ character?

What does it tell you about Jesus’ ability?

Can you take your self out of your own keeping and entrust your self into Jesus’ keeping?

Will you take your self out of your own keeping and entrust your self into Jesus’ keeping?

Will you do that right now?

PHOTOPHILIC

That which thrives in bright light!