Feeding Frenzy 

John 6:1-15

[1] After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. [2] And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. [3] Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. [4] Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. [5] 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?" [6] He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. [7] Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." [8] One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, [9] "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?" [10] 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. [11] 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. [12] And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost." [13] So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. [14] When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!" [15] 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)

In this passage, Jesus performs one of the most awe striking miracles that is recorded in the scripture. Jesus takes 5 loaves of bread, which would have been like a breakfast biscuit and two small fish and feeds 5000 men not including the women and children.

This is a miracle of epic proportions. The time it would have taken to feed this many people is not indicated, but it would have taken hours. The fact that Jesus took time to bless, brake and give to the disciples to distribute to this many people shows his great love.

Jesus and his disciples are investing in the needs of those who have been listening to his teaching. This is not a move toward popularity for Jesus. This was a sincere response to a need. Jesus was obedient to the will of His Father to minister to the need for physical nourishment of this large gathering.

He also demonstrated that God has sufficient when needed. The leftover fragments filled up 12 baskets. This was probably not 12 waste baskets full of food as many of our minds race toward, but rather was probably 12 small lunch baskets big enough for one individual. Isn't interesting that Jesus has 12 disciples and there were 12 baskets full of leftovers? Maybe a lunch basket for each.

With all that has happened Jesus is aware that men desire leaders who can generate revenue and numbers. Leaders who can meet needs. He is painfully aware that they want to seize him by force and make him their King.   Most of us, including yours truly would have been tempted to jump at such an opportunity.

Jesus could mobilize a great army, a great movement at this moment in history. The crowds are with him. But what does he do? Jesus withdraws to the mountain by Himself, probably to pray and seek the face and will of His Father. This goes against the grain, it a goes against the flow of the flesh.

Jesus what is wrong with you is probably what the disciples are thinking. After all many of them, if not all thought that Jesus would eventually establish a natural Kingdom with each of them playing key roles. This must be the time.

No. Jesus saw a need. He then met that need, but he did not disconnect himself from the greater thing. His relationship with His Father and the will of His Father would continue to guide both his heart and his path.

Did Jesus want to be a King for these people. Not in the way they thought. In fact in his own heart as he journeyed to the mountain by Himself, he knew that he already was King. The King of Kings. He would not permit loaves, fishes and the cry of the crowd to attempt to change that.

Brother and sister, let us glorify the King of Kings, not simply because we have daily bread but because we have Him, the Bread of Life.

For His Glory!!!

- Written by Steve Shives