John 6:1-11

John 6:1-11 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Feast was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he 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. Philip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

Jesus extends himself--his mercy, kindness, and grace--into every area of our lives. In today's account, a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed, yet at this event Jesus reveals his concern and regard for people is not limited to great miracles such as healing the sick or raising the dead. On that day on the far shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus already had in mind what he was going to do. He wanted to show people that He is the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep. The same holds true today as the Spirit reminds us to turn to Jesus the Lord of all, who watches over his beloved body, caring for our daily needs for food, clothing, and shelter--the little things in life. We often limit our relationship with God to the trials and vicissitudes of living. We forget Jesus set the example for constant communion with and trust in God when He taught us to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. . . " (Matthew 6:9-11)

The people in this crowd hungered for a meal, yet they would not have died without the bounteous feast of loaves and fishes. Jesus confirmed his concern for their welfare, their immediate need. If we consider all Christ's acts and all his words, we see a loving, committed servant saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Isaiah's prophecies concerning Jesus as the Shepherd of the sheep should be taken literally as well as figuratively. We can expect Christ to abide in us forever and to walk with us in and through every situation. His deliverance and supply does not mean we will escape all distresses, but the Word confirms Christ provides: He is our meat and drink, our Way through the wilderness of this earthly existence. He will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground. (Isaiah 44:3)

As Jesus hears our anxious thoughts, our worried cries over the uncertainties of our walking about lives, He says: Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you. . . (Luke 12:27-28) As Jesus covers us, enveloping us in his loving kindness and tender mercies, He includes the mundane things of life: which coat to wear, what food to prepare, the types of activities we embrace. He is that concerned about our welfare: so much so that He goes on to say our trust is in him should be so natural and automatic that we will stop thinking about what we will do, what we will eat, what we will wear, and where we will go because He has it covered. We are free to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, knowing He takes care of the rest.

In life's many ups and downs, Jesus never leaves or forsakes his sheep. A good shepherd camps near the sheep, ever watchful and diligent. Jesus extends himself--all that He is--into every moment we yield to him. As we give every financial, physical, and emotional need to him, He is there! When Jesus mentioned buying food for the hungry, Philip rightly observed: “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Andrew noted a boy with a small lunch, but he knew so little would not go far among so many. Ignoring their protests, Jesus orders: Have the people sit down. Just as He did that day by the sea, Jesus speaks hope to us today, miraculously supplying food and water when we have none. He says, "Come sit with me in green pastures, recline in my arms by still waters, lean on me in unending sorrow and strife. I will give you rest: I WILL EXTEND MYSELF IN YOUR BEHALF. I will supply your needs beyond your imagination, for I shepherd my sheep." If you lack resources or the abilities, if you face difficulties or seemly insurmountable problems: Jesus is nigh you. Sit at his feet, learn of him, trust in his provision. When Paul was persecuted, shipwrecked, beaten and left for dead, Jesus was his portion, enough for Paul to arise and to persevere by faith. Paul shined as a star in a dark world, revealing CHRIST IS ENOUGH. Consequently, we pray without ceasing--free from anxiety, doubt, and fear--knowing Christ will provide, with sufficient leftovers for the hungry crowd. Let it be, Lord!