FRIDAY, 2^nd WEEK OF EASTER-B

I Reading: Acts 5:34-42: They left, glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name of Jesus.

Gospel: 6:1-15: To all who were sitting there he gave out as much as they wanted.

Jesus Feed Five Thousand: The Provision for Human Need

Chapter 6 reveals Jesus to be the provision for every human and material need. Jesus first demonstrated the truth, then He began to preach and teach it. He showed that He was concerned with every need in life (even a missed meal, Jn 6: 1-15) and concerned with every overpowering need (the calming of a storm, Jn 6:16-21).

No matter how small the need or how stormy the problem, Jesus is the provision, the Bread of Life, the power to meet people’s every need. He can provide a single meal, and He can calm the stormiest problem.

1.     The setting (v.1-6)

a.     After sometime Jesus crossed the Lake of galilee

b.    Feverish, surging crowds followed Him

c.      Jesus sought rest and relief

d.    The pilgrims were gathering for the Feast

e.      The two concern of Jesus

1)    The missing of a meal-Jesus wants to meet every need

2)    The testing and strengthening of his disciples: Teaching the kind of faith

2.     Lesson 1: There is a pessimistic faith (v.7)

3.     Lesson 2: There is an optimistic but questioning faith (v.8-9)

a.     Andrew searched for and brought food

b.    He questioned the supply

4.     Lesson 3: there is positive, unswerving faith (v.10-13)

a.     Jesus’ faith

1)    He took and gave thanks for what he had

2)    He gave what he had

3)    He used others to help him

b.    God’s answer and provision

1)    He met the people’s need: He fed and filled them

2)    He gave an overabundance

3)    He allowed no waste

5.     Lesson 4: There is a materialistic profession of Jesus (v.14-15)

a.     The people’s profession: Jesus was the Messiah

b.    The people’s concept: Jesus was the earthly and materialistic king

Thought: If a man/woman so gives, God does the rest. The need will be met. While a person is giving what he/she has, he/she must trust the power and provision of God (Mt 6:33; Lk 1:37; Acts 20:35).

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