John 6:1-15 "LITTLE IS MUCH" The disciples had just returned from their first mission of telling the nation of Israel the kingdom of God was here. John the Baptist had just been beheaded by a wicked king wanting to please a wicked woman. The Lord Himself had just spent the whole day teaching the huge crowd of people who were now following Him wherever He went. But instead of resting awhile as they had intended, there were still spiritual needs to be met. It may be that because of the rejection the Lord Jesus Christ experienced in Jerusalem and Judea, He didn't go to the Passover there. It is now called a feast of the Jews rather than one of the feasts of Jehovah. The things of God that we have been taught can become so common-place to us that they are no more than a form that "we do in our church." Spiritual and fleshly things do not go together even though the events in denominations seem to be similar to what is practiced in scripturally gathered assemblies. When a spiritual practice deteriorates to mere tradition or a practice to please people, it has no spiritual value.
Even though "He Himself knew what He would do," the Lord Jesus used the needs of a hungry crowd of people as a teaching moment for His disciples. Philip knew the worth of a man's labor for a year wouldn't meet the need of all those people. There is no human solution for hunger apart from God. God alone can sustain human life. Yet for all of man's dependence on God whether they acknowledge Him or not, in grace "He Himself" knows what He will do for us today. The whole earth and its hidden supply of all that we need to live is the work of the Life-Giver. On that mountain where 5000 men beside women and children were gathered, Jesus moved the normal course of making provision for human need ahead so quickly, that in His divine work all of those people ate all they could eat and it happened right at that time. The One who holds the course of the universe in it orderly fashion has the power to make what normally take a lot of time, and makes it happen instantly. Only God can do that. Jesus is truly God.
This was not a lesson in unselfishness as some claim. People didn't pull their personal lunches out from under their coats and start to share with others what they had. There wouldn't have been twelve baskets full left over if that had been the case. No, Andrew in feeble faith brought a young boy with five loaves and two fish to Jesus and said, "But what are they among so many?" He knew his Lord's ability. He just didn't know the Lord's intention. His faith was in the right Person. He just wasn't sure what Jesus would do - hence the feeble question. The Lord Jesus knew what He was going to do. He can take a little and make it much. "Little is much when God is in it." The age of a person is not a limitation for God to use either. A small boy, with small loaves of bread and small fish was all Jesus needed to testify to His deity again and His ability to keep the food flowing to thousands of people. He did what others cannot do, and at the same time expected His disciples to do what they could do. He gave them the privilege of sharing with Him in the work of His grace and He does the same with us. That principle still holds true for our day and age. His storehouse is abundantly full of grace to give when grace is needed. But He expects us to do our part by faith. If the supply came as the food passed through His hands or if it was multiplied as it was being distributed by the disciples is not stated. However, all the people there who ate of that food, knew what they were eating was a miracle from Jesus.
The precious things of God are not to be wasted. He does not provide blessings to have them spurned as unimportant or rejected as unnecessary. The teaching He had been giving on how to receive eternal life was illustrated by how the people received the blessing of physical life-sustaining food. It came to Him from a person who would have been thought of as insignificant because he was a small boy. The young boy had received what he had from God, and now was willing to give it to God. He can take of our small gifts and bring blessing to others through those gifts. What we give to God can be used by Him in ways and places we would never dream of. Who would have thought five loaves and two small fish would provide all that thousands of people needed. May we never overlook or discount any act of faith on our part or on the part of others.
Even then the blessing didn't stop. Disciples who had been weary in their service for the Lord, now had a new and successful service they could do for Him. To be carrying baskets of food to people sitting in orderly fashion on the grass who would gratefully take what you had to give, would have rejuvenated their enthusiasm and assured them that the Lord could use them in more than one way. When they went around and gathered up all that was left over, they would have learned that the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, could do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think." Probably for the next several days they themselves were fed by the food from that miraculous sign. In each of the four Gospels the sign of the feeding of the 5000 is given testifying as to the Lord Jesus Christ being the Son of God, as to what He can do in creating much out of little that is given to Him in faith. He can satisfy the needs of mankind who are willing to come to Him. In His wisdom He knows exactly what we need and offers us the choice of accepting what He gives by faith, or rejecting it. He is also willing to allow those who believe in Him personally to participate with Him in His work.
His day of reigning over the world is coming. He is not going to be made a king by men. He was born King of the Jews - the only One who was born with all power, authority and dominion over all kingdoms. In His wisdom and grace, He has left these proofs of His deity and His personal understanding of humanity, so we can each as individuals put our faith in Him. He was not doing some magic tricks to motivate people to change their ways. The miracle of feeding the 5000 reveals His understanding of basic human need, and His willingness to meet that need. God is still working on our behalf today. Every bit of food we eat and the water we drink comes from the gracious hands of Him who is the Life-Source of every good and perfect gift we enjoy.
It did not happen as some people are prone to say - "Selfish people were moved to share their lunch that day." The people were hungry, not able to meet their own need -
And by the command of the Lord, disciples quickly did heed. In orderly fashion by fifties, the people sat down - And the disciples brought food to distribute around Until everyone was filled, there was more than they could eat. They learned that Jesus was God who in every way did meet The characteristics of God who could produce by His power All that was needed in that late evening hour. Every person there who had eaten knew Jesus was unique - And yet they greatest need they had, from Him did not seek.
It is possible for us to taste all the good things of God - And still hold back and not submit to Jesus Christ as Lord. He has provided for our spiritual needs by offering us divine life, And expects us to believe and follow Him by faith, not by sight. To take for granted all the spiritual blessings He has provided - And think we deserve them; means we are very short-sighted. We are not worthy of the least of the mercies He gives. To Him we owe everything, in Him we have our being and live. Miracles of provision for our whole person - body, soul and spirit - Jesus alone is the One through whose grace we can receive it. The wise person will bow in humility, gratitude and faith - And praise and worship our Lord for the abundance of His grace.
"Father, I have been greatly blessed by Thee with daily blessings both physical and spiritual. I thank Thee for this on-going way of meeting our needs Thou hast given. As an intercessor on behalf of others, I humbly ask Thee if Thou wouldst reveal Thy truth to them in salvation. In particular, those who are listening to the Gospel at this time. To Thee be all honor, glory and praise, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
John 6: The deity and humanity of Christ.
(vs.11-13) Christ in His deity, creating something out of nothing --- Christ in His humanity, meeting physical needs. In His deity, He produces abundantly --- in His humanity, He wastes nothing. In His deity, He has awesome power; He is an awesome Person; He makes an awesome provision --- in His humanity, He recognizes the need; the hunger; the limitations of people.
(vs.19-20) Christ in His deity, controlling the elements --- Christ in His humanity, meeting emotional needs. Calming their fears.
(vs.33-35) Christ in His deity, clarifying His Person --- Christ in His humanity, meeting the spiritual needs of the people. “I am the bread of life...” “Never hunger--- never thirst.”
(vs.51-58) Christ in His deity, coming from heaven --- Christ in His humanity, making us part of Himself and taking us into the heavenlies. “...the living bread which came down from heaven...” “Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.”