St. John 6

The entire gospel of St. John is truly remarkable and I am a bit jealous that the people in those days had the privilege and honor of walking with, listening to and witnessing firsthand the many miracles Jesus performed while on earth. I think to myself, would I be or act any different had I been among them? Possibly. Even people then had the experience of seeing Him and still had doubts and rejected the Messiah who had come to earth at the will of the Father to be the advocate for our sins. From time to time, I find myself with those same doubts until I am reminded of the sacrifice He made for us and the Living Word He left for us to live by and encourage us every day. Those doubts soon fade away.

Our chapter opens with one of the most well-known miracles Jesus ever performed – the feeding of the five thousand. Great crowds had followed Him because they saw the signs He had performed by healing the sick (v 2). Jesus then asks the question to Phillip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do.” (vs 5-6). Then Phillip actually starts to calculate what it would take in terms of money to feed this many people. Jesus’ question flew right by him! It never occurred to him that the Miracle Maker was right there in front of him with a solution! Don’t we often find ourselves boxing in God and throwing in the towel even before the battle begins?

Later, we find Jesus comes on the scene in a very unique way as the boat the disciples were in crossing the sea began being tossed to and fro. When they saw Jesus walking on the water approaching the boat, they were scared. “But He said unto them, It is I; don’t be afraid.” (v 20) What patience and compassion Jesus had, even in their fear and unbelief. Aren’t you glad He cares that much about us still today? He’s always there to carry us through our darkest valleys and transport us back to the mountain top. When circumstances look hopeless, He makes a way.

When the people catch up with Jesus, they asked how He had gotten on the other side of the lake. Jesus knew their motive for asking was actually, “Where is our next meal coming from?”

“Jesus answered, Very truly I tell you, you are not looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” (vs 26-27)

Then the people ask Him, “What sign then will You give that we may see it and believe You? (v 30) Are they serious??? Jesus just fed five thousand people with five loaves and two fishes, and yet they ask Him for a sign? Now I don’t know about you, but that would have sealed the deal for me in terms of believing Jesus was the Messiah! Yet again, Jesus patiently explains that He is the Bread of Life, “Then Jesus declared, I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. But I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.” (vs 35-36)

And how do the people react? They actually start to grumble and try to reason and question how Jesus could be born on earth and still come down from heaven. Jesus quickly and firmly explains how this can be in verses 53 through 58. Take a minute to read this passage – the words are in red!

Unfortunately, many followers of Christ could not accept this teaching and went their own way turning their backs on Jesus – so hard to believe after witnessing so many miracles. The chapter concludes with Jesus asking His twelve disciples if they want to leave as well. Simon Peter confirms their loyalty with a sweet reply (vs 68-69). So would you or I have done the same thing? Turn our backs on Jesus when He is right there in our midst? It is hard for us to understand how some did just that in those days. All the more reason for us to keep our faith firmly rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ and to remain diligent in studying His Word daily, lest the enemy comes as a thief to kill, steal and destroy by planting doubts of fear and confusion and worst of all, us forgetting all that He has done for us.

Father, My prayer is to help our unbelief. And I pray for those going through trials in their life or struggling to decide if they will continue to follow You or turn their back on You. Whatever the situation, help us to realize that You never changed. Always by our side with everything under control. Thank You for Your boundless mercy and grace that You give us each day. Amen

Dale Adams | Small Group Coordinator

Dale & his wife Vickie are active members of Hutto Bible Church. Dale is currently serving as the Coordinator of our Small Group Ministry.