Reading: John 6-8
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there He sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 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(John 6:1-6).
As Jesus looked out at the crowd of tired and hungry people, He already knew exactly how He would handle the situation. When He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat, He was not seeking a solution to the dilemma; instead, He was testing His disciple. He wanted to know his level of faith. How much did he trust in his Lord? How much had he learned during his journey with Christ? Philip's answer was a practical one, rooted firmly in the physical world around them. Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little (6:7). Philip could see no way in which they could satisfactorily feed the multitude even if they spent all the money they had. His answer revealed much as to the state of his faith. Even with his great love and respect for his Master, he did not yet have the level of trust and belief that he would need to see him through the coming trials.
Jesus’ rebuttal was quick and sure. Not only was it possible to feed the multitude, but Jesus was moved to show His disciples how it could be done on the strength of faith alone. And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would (6:11). The simple meal of five small loaves and two fish (6:9) fed over 5,000 men (6:10) with twelve basketfuls of leftovers (6:13). His message was clear – nothing was beyond the ability of God. Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me (Jer. 32.27)?
God often asks us to take on tasks that, on a purely human level, seem to be impossible. Yet what seems impossible to us is always possible with God. And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God (Luke 18:27). Whatever the task that He has set before us, He expects us to approach it with confidence, secure in the knowledge that He already has the way planned out. And this He said to prove him: for He Himself knew what He would do. Our reaction to His call will reveal to God the level of faith we currently employ. We can either turn regretfully away, as did Philip, and list for God the many reasons why we cannot take on the task, or we can answer with confidence and trust, "I am willing, Lord. Show me the way."
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:5-6). Ah Lord God! behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee(Jer. 32:17).
Thought For TodayGod does not ask of us what we cannot do; when overwhelmed, we can take inspiration from His expectations.
Cross Reference: For John 6:31: See Ex. 16:4; Neh. 9:15; Ps. 78:24: John 6:45: See Is. 54:13.
Pray For Staff:Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI), Rep. Michelle Fishbach (MN) • Country: Ghana (25,758,108) Western Africa • Major Languages: English, Asante, Ewe, Fante • Religious Freedom • 71.2% Christian; 17.6% Muslim; 5.2% Traditional; 0.8% Other; 5.2% None • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for boldness in telling others about the Lord (Ps. 119:46).