Jesus the Bread of Life
John 6:1-14
Feeding the 5,000
A. INTRODUCTION
1. When did this miracle occur? Springtime. “The Passover, a feast for the Jews, was near” (v. 4).
2. Who was involved? Mostly men. “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God . . . at the feast of the unleavened bread” (Deut. 16:16). “So, the men (anre, males) sat down in number about five thousand” (v. 10).
3. Where did this miracle take place? Near Tiberias. “The Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias” (v. 1).
a. On the way to Jerusalem.
b. A Gentile city.
4. Why were they following Jesus? Outward reasons. “A great multitude followed Him because they saw His signs which He performed on them who were diseased” (v. 2).
a. Believed Jesus was only a prophet (v. 14).
b. Wanted an earthly king (v. 15).
c. They wanted another miracle (v. 28-29).
d. Jesus said they did not believe (v. 26-29).
5. Why did Jesus feed them? Contrast with unbelieving priest.
Jesus’ Feast Jews’ Feast
1. Simple 5 loaves and 2 fishes 1. Elaborate
2. In God’s creation 2. In magnificent temple
3. Fills body and soul 3. Fills only body
6. Why did Jesus ask Philip? He usually asked Peter.
a. Philip’s nature. The analytical disciple.
b. Philip’s job. He was leader of personnel team.
7. What did Jesus want from Philip? “This He (Jesus) said to test him, for He Himself knew what he would do” (v. 6).
Principle: Jesus wanted faith, but got facts. “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little” (v. 7). A denarii is a day’s wages for laborers. If we had $1,200, we could only spend $.24 per person.
8. What is known about Jesus? Always brought people to Jesus. “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish” (v. 9).
Principle: Jesus uses what is available.
9. What do we know about the food? Poor. Barley is cheap and has little protein. The word for fish is “small fish”, i.e., sardines.
Principle: Jesus does big things with small contributions.
10. Where did this miracle take place?
a. In the hands of Jesus. “He distributed them to the disciples” (v. 11).
b. In the arms of the disciples. “The disciples to those sitting down” (v. 11).
Principle: We partner with Jesus.
11. What can we learn about ministry from this miracle?
a. Gratitude. “Jesus . . . had given thanks” (v. 11).
b. Organization. “They sat down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties” (Mark 6:40).
c. Division of labor. Jesus does what only God can do, disciples did what humans should do.
d. Efficiency. Used what was available.
e. Priority. Multitudes fed first, then the disciples.
f. Conservation. “Gather . . . so that nothing is lost” (v. 12).
g. Spiritual satisfaction. “They were filled” (v. 12). Two Greek words mean (1) to fill completely, and (2) “fatted” i.e., “pig out” (v. 26).
12. What can we learn about asking for miracles?
a. When we are lost. “Jesus . . . was moved with compassion . . . because they were as sheep not having a shepherd” (Mark 6:34).
b. When we are obedient. The multitudes were on their way to Jerusalem.
c. When ministry comes first. “He began to teach them” (Mark 6:34).
d. When there are no available necessities. “This is a desert place” (Mark 6:35).
e. When time is appropriate. There is a time to fast, a time to feast, and a time for miracles.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
