Reflection on John 6:1-21

Jesus was testing him.

How would Philip respond?

Philip himself had witnessed Jesus turn water into wine (ch 2), heal a boy on the brink of death (ch 4) and bring a lame man to his feet (ch 5). Would he trust Jesus with this next dilemma? Or would he look for a human solution? 

“Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’ He said this to test him.” John 6:5

How would you respond? “Jesus, I just saw you heal 2 men and turn water to wine! Surely the One who spoke life into existence can provide food for this crowd. “

Or perhaps you might be a little cynical: “Jesus, that’s impossible. I know you can heal the sick and provide wine at a wedding, but this is a little out of your league.” 

Or maybe the thought of such a miracle would never cross your mind. Like Philip. 

“Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” John 6:7

Jesus asked a straight forward question. Philip gave a natural response. It didn’t cross his mind that Jesus could break through into this territory. Philip’s mind could not conceive what Jesus was about to do. 

What about us? We believe the LORD can remove our sin and grant us eternal life, but can he provide for our daily needs too? Do we trust Him in all areas of our lives?

Upon finding 5 loaves and 2 fish, Jesus took the little available and provided an abundance. This is a different type of miracle than we've witnessed before. Here, we see Jesus caring for the physical, daily needs of people. Jesus does not simply feed the people’s hearts with spiritual truth; He feeds their bellies too. He cares for the whole person. 

5000 men sit down with rumbling middles and Jesus breaks the bread and the fish and provides nourishment for the body AND the soul. His disciples are the vessels through which this sustenance flows. The people took as much as they liked. They were SATISFIED. Jesus was not stingy! And when all were fed, 12 baskets full were left over; one basket for each disciple! 

This was an incredible provision. But as incredible as it was, their full bellies would soon grow hungry again. Jesus has a greater spiritual truth to explore. Let’s not miss it:

He did not come to merely provide bread, but to BE the bread. He doesn’t simply want your stomach to be satisfied; He wants you to find satisfaction in Him. The crowds missed this. Will we?