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Jesus uses His Disciples to Feed the People: Summary of John 6:1-15
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Read John 6:1-15
After Jesus finished His discourse regarding His identity, He crossed over the Sea of Galilee. Here He gave further evidence that He was/is indeed the Son of God.
By that time, Jesus had a great following; some just curious, and others believed because of the many miracles He had performed up until the point. Jesus, true to His nature was concerned with their physical well-being as well as their spiritual condition.
This is another portion of Scripture that can easily be glanced over as nothing more than an account of another of Jesus' many miracles. If all we gain is that Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish and was able to feed around five thousand people, it would be enough to see the power He held. I believe, however, that there is much more in this story.
Jesus chose to include His disciples in the entire process. I love that He asked Philip where they could by some bread. It would seem to me that Philip was the practical guy. His immediate reply was to consider how much money they had and what it could purchase. Jesus knowing this to be Philip's nature, wanted to teach Philip that money is of no consequence to God's abilities. Andrew follows with the practical as well; this time with what could be seen in the amount of food that was before them.
What was going through their mind when Jesus' only response was, "Make the people sit down." After Jesus gave thanks, He could have asked the people to form a line and distributed the food Himself, but He had a plan; a lesson He wanted to teach the disciples.
He gave the food to His disciples, and it was the disciples who distributed the food. Once the people were full, He had the disciples "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."
This proved to be the beginning of a series of lessons on servant hood and preaching the gospel, as we will see in coming chapters.
What has Jesus given you to do? Have you gone out to "feed" His people? I can't help but wonder if the "fragments" represent the wounded. Jesus said, "pick up the fragments, so that none would be lost". He was always more concerned with the condition and well-being of man, then He was about food. Are you going back for a second look to make sure "none" would be lost? These are questions I am asking myself.
Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" Peter replied, "Feed My sheep". Interesting.
After the people were well fed, many more believed in Him. Jesus knew they were about to come for Him to make Him king, so he left and made His way to the mountain. It's interesting to note that Jesus never corrected anyone when they referred to Him as the Messiah or the King. Perhaps it's because it was/is the truth.
Join us as we explore other Scriptures were Jesus used his disciples to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of His followers.
In the meantime, what are your thoughts? Please share them with us.
(C) Teresa Ortiz - Book of John Study 2011. All rights reserved.
Article submitted Sunday, May 22, 2011 & read 146 times.
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» left by Christofer French from Denver (356 days 6 hours ago.)
As these disciples would proceed through their lives to new regions and countries, the message "feed my sheep". As they were criticized and pushed out of villages, and beaten by those who did not want to be fed, they had to keep fixed in their heads: "Feed my sheep". When you find my sheep, feed them. Beautiful article.» left by (355 days 22 hours ago.)
Hi Christofer. Thank you for reading and for the comment. Great insight! Blessings, Teresa
» left by (355 days 22 hours ago.)
Hi Christofer. Thank you for the comment. I appreciate your insight. Blessings, Teresa
» left by Marijo Phelps(180)We appreciate your comments!(355 days 21 hours ago.)
We all need to be feeding His sheep - some of us do it by writing and sharing our insights with those who read....I am SO glad you are one of those dear Sister!» left by (355 days 18 hours ago.)
Hi MJ. Ditto :-) You have blessed thousands, and it will continue! Praise the Lord!
» left by (355 days 18 hours ago.)
Hi MJ. Ditto :-) You have blessed thousands, and it will continue! Praise the Lord!
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