The Possibility Of Undervaluing What You Possess Series

Sermon. The Possibility of Undervaluing What You Possess

John 6:1-15 “After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. 3 Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. 4 (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) 5 Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money[a] to feed them!” 8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” 10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves. 14 When the people saw him[b] do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!” 15 When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.”

Introduction: The first outstanding event of Jesus feeding of the five thousand, occurs right after the report of the twelve apostles, who had just returned from their first missionary tour. This is a glowing account of their work and their teaching. Matthew says that Jesus withdrew to a desert place apart when he heard of the death of John the Baptist. In this desert place the multitudes flockedout from the cities, and this excited the tender compassion of Jesus because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Mark says that he taught them many things on that mountain side. His work here continued until the day was far spent, upon which the disciples besought him to send the multitudes away to buy food. Here begins the beautiful story of “Feeding the Five Thousand,” which is told by all four of the evangelists and this is the only event from the earthly ministry of Jesus told in all four gospel. There are certain facts and lessons here that need to be emphasized. First, notice Jesus test of his most senior disciples Philip and Andrew. Second, this miracle provides a back drop for Jesus’ great discourse of John 6 on the Bread of Life. Third, we see how Jesus appreciated and valued all people. Fourth, Jesus wants to supply the total need of people. Fifth, Jesus wants things being done decent and in order. Sixth, Christ, the great wonder-worker uses a child’s ministry to supplying the needs of his people.

Most Scripture references that mention children speaks of caring for them, protecting them, training them and valuing them. There are only a few that refer to the ministry of children. Like When Hagar and her son, Ishmael were in the wilderness, fleeing the wrath of Sarah; the Scripture reads, though Hagar was crying and praying, “God heard the voice of the child.” It was the child’s cry for help that got God’s Attention. (Ge 21:17) After Samson repented, he was left blind and helpless, it was a lad that held his hand and guided him to the pillars of the temple. God used a child’s ministry to destroy the Philistines. (Jg 16:26) When the nation of Judah and Jerusalem were headed for the destruction, God send Jeremiah who was just a little lad to speak to the nation warnings of his coming judgment. (Jer 1:7) When the crowd was massive, the disciples tired and confused, and the multitude was restless and hungry, Jesus is going to use the ministry of a young boy with a lad’s lunch to save the day.

To surprise of everyone, Jesus said, “GIVE YE THEM TO EAT! The bewildered, tired disciples were looking for rest, and feels the great crowd should be sent away. It’s late, the disciples haven’t eaten, nor had they haven’t had any private time with Jesus, tired, hungry, emotionally drained and probably a little cranky. The disciples come and tells Jesus, send the people into town to get food for themselves. Sometimes we can cover selfish motives with religious sentiment. Jesus said: They do not need to depart you give them something to eat. Sometimes we can be guilty of being nothing more than religious well-wishers, like James said: “Depart be ye warmed and filled, we wish you well, I’ll mention you in my prayers.” That’s called dead faith. We cannot be true disciples of Jesus with this dead faith, He wouldn’t allow it then and he doesn’t allow it now.