DEVOTIONAL THOTS: John 6

5 As Jesus saw a large crowd coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 Jesus asked this question to test him. He already knew what he was going to do John 6:5-6 (GW)

Recently I have started reading the Gospel Of John for my morning devotions and I want to share some thots from these devotionals. These thots are not on the whole chapter rather from certain passages that stood out or one might say that "grabbed" me at the time as I was reading. I started my reading in John a few days ago so I'm jumping in midstream so to speak. This morning I reads John 6 and the first verse that caught my attention was John 6:5-6. Jesus was not about to let the crowd go hungry he would satisfy their physical need while hoping their spiritual hunger would be satisfied as well. To test His disciples He asked Philip where they could get enough food to feed the crowd. We are told there were 5,000 men, not counting women and children. Jesus was informed it would take a years worthy of wages which back then was about $40. Who had $40? Not Jesus. Andrew tries to be helpful by telling Jesus that he saw a boy with 5 small loves of bread with two small fish. I must commend the wise mother who thought ahead and made sure her son had something to eat as he followed this Nazarene. I can only guess as to Andrews thoughts as he told Jesus this but must have thought, "there is no way on earth or heaven even Jesus could pull this one off." Andrew was helpful in a way he never thought of. Jesus called the small boy to him took his small lunch, blessed and satisfied everybod's hunger with 12 baskets of left overs. I wonder if Christ re-paid the boy for his generous and willing offer. You see that is something else. The little boy was more than willing to share what little he had with this amazing man. He may not have understood everything Jesus taught but he did teach everyone a lesson on sharing. We don't have to a abundance of things in life before we share. We can always cut that slice of bread and share with one who has nothing.

John turns abruptly to the next scene, they saw Jesus walking on the sea John 6:19 (GW). Evening had come and it was time to cross the sea to to the city of Capernaum and they left without Jesus. As the disciples are rowing trying to get to shore before the storm gets worse they notice someone actually walking on water and their fear of the storm was added to this new "fear" of a ghost(?) walking on water. Jesus calls out "don't be afraid its me." Everyday as I leave for work I pray forChrist's presence to go with me as I know, whether it be daylight or night, danger can lurk and it can be a frightening time for me as I have to walk in a not so safe neighbourhood where I work. Jesus calms our fears and concerns as we face so many storms in our lives. We may not be able to see Him but He is there.


The people asked Jesus, “What does God want us to do?” John 6:28 (GW)


At he beginning of this chapter we read where Jesus fed the multitude with a boys small lunch. Here it is the next day and they want more. They want more. Imagine what Jesus could do for us as a King is a thought that was entertained I'm sure by more than one individual. Jesus is quick to point out to the crowd why they are following Him. Because they saw Him perform a miracle they wanted more. Jesus makes it clear that physical bread will not gain them salvation thus entery into heaven only the spiritual food He has to offer them. If they refuse it, and many disciples did because they felt that what Jesus was offering was too difficult to comprehend. People are no different today. Because a lack of knowledge of Christ and His Word turns many people away. There are so many false teachings, so many different "truths" people become confused and like Pilate they ask,"What is Truth?" What is right? Who do we believe? You say I'm right but they are wrong well how do you know. Jesus said I am the WAY & the TRUTH...There are so many who critize Christ, His Word, His church ...and this is true of religious leaders because they lack faith and trust in God..they lack knowledge, true knowledge.





QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. Why did Jesus test his disciples when He already knew the answer?
2. Where was Jesus that He wasn't with His disciples?
3. Why was the crowd so presistent in following Him?
4. What did Jesus offer them and why?
5. How can we tell the difference between God's Truth and man's "truth?"
6. Why do so many religious leaders critize Christ?