Christian Life Church

MIRACLES & MEANING: June 9, 2021
FEEDING THE MULTITUDES

INTRO

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.” C.S. Lewis

SCRIPTURE

After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following Him, because they saw the signs that He was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 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, for He Himself knew what (Philip) would do. Philip answered (Jesus), “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, He told His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that He had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” Perceiving then that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by Himself. John 6:1-15, ESV

WHAT THIS MIRACLE REVEALS ABOUT GOD

1/ This miracle reveals that Jesus is Messiah.

2/ This miracle reveals that Jesus is aware of our needs.

…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him! Matt 6:8, NLT

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-21, NLT

3/ This miracle reveals that Jesus deals with us on an individual basis.

Jesus tests Philip & it seems he fails.

There is a difference between tempting & testing.

For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. James 1:13, NIV

…God tested Abraham. Genesis 22:1, NIV

Philip should have acknowledged the problem, then acknowledged the Lord.

Jesus tests Andrew & it seems he passes.

A little of Andrew’s faith is better than none of Philip’s.

4/ This miracle reveals that Jesus prefers order over chaos.

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1 Cor 14:33

This orderliness is seen in the creation of the planet (Genesis), as well as the judgment of the planet (Revelation).

A/ Jesus takes what is given.

B/ Jesus gives thanks for what is given.

The root word is eucharist, which means thanksgiving.

C/ Jesus blesses what is given.

“Blessed art thou Jehovah our God, King of the world, who causes to come forth bread from the earth.”

D/ Jesus distributes & uses what is given.

E/ Jesus wastes nothing.

…nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted. 1 Corinthians 15:58, TLB

5/ This miracle reveals that Jesus is not limited in resources.

There was such an overflow, each disciple had a basket!

But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are Mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. Psalm 50:9-10

6/ This miracle reveals that Jesus can work with whatever we give Him.

The boy isn’t even mentioned in the other Gospels, the fish aren’t large, & the loaves aren’t quality.

Often, God will use the least to accomplish the most!

The is similar to the principle of the tithe. God can bless 90% more than 100%.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24, NLT

God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10, NLT

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10, NLT

CLOSE

When we put our lives in Jesus’ hands, others will be filled!