YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT.

[46]

FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND

Read John 6:1-13; Mark 6:30-44

     He (Jesus) said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. John 6:5b-6 NIV

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     Nothing that Jesus did while on earth was just happenstance. Jesus said to the twelve, "You give them something to eat." (Mark 6:37) When everyone was fed, they were able to gather up enough for a basketful each for themselves. They served the bread, but it cost them nothing, and they had their own needs supplied. This is significant in light of Philip's protest; "eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" (John 6:7)

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     Lord, more often than not, I sound just like Philip. I see only the practical facts, and the impossibility of the situation. Help us to trust You for our daily bread, and for all other needs we may have. You lord, are the Bread of Life and You know our requests even before we ask; but You did tell us to ask. I am asking You this morning, to provide for our financial and spiritual needs.

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     After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:14-15 NIV