As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse one of chapter six. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle writes:
“Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee, and a great crowd of people followed Him because they saw the signs He had performed by healing the sick. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd of people coming toward Him, He said to Philip, ‘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. Philip answered Him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite.’
Another of His disciples spoke up, ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down – about five thousand men were there. Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” (John 6: 1-11)
It is estimated there could have been more than 10,000 people in total at this event – given the 5 thousand who were mentioned were all men. (Matthew 14:21) says, “The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” Whether it was 5 thousand or 10 thousand is actually unimportant. Feeding more than 50 people all they wanted with two small fish and five small barley loaves is a miracle within itself – much less thousands. But the fact that the number 5,000 men is given in all four of the Gospels makes it a credible number since the writers obtained information from different sources.
As we read of this miracle in all four of the gospels, we see different dialog of who said what, and to whom, but there is no difference of opinion that many thousands of people were fed with 2 small fish, and 5 small loaves of bread by Jesus on that day. As always He was providing, and teaching.
From this event we see the love of Jesus for mankind. We see His power and compassion for our needs as we come to Him. We see what Jesus can, and will do with the things we give unto Him.
When Jesus asked Philip about feeding the flock, Philip’s first thought was of the cost. While this should always be a practical part of our thinking, Jesus demonstrated here that we should not limit our thinking to what we see. We should always be open to the miraculous power of our Lord. We must always remember that He is a God of miracles. Let us trust Him to provide the resources to meet our needs. May we always remember that we “Live by faith, and not by sight.” (2 Co.5:7) May we never limit Him through lack of faith as His Hometown peers did.
Have a wonderful day, God’s Beloveds. We are in the presence of the power of God when we ask Jesus into our hearts. May we walk in that knowledge and be open to the miracles He chooses to do for us. He loves us So.
Poppa B.