Feeding the Five Thousand

Lesson #97

In this lesson we will focus on verses 11 – 13 found in the section defined by John 6:1 – 15: “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” (John 6:11 – 13 ESV). Notice that Jesus did not create the food from nothing, but used the boy’s five barley loaves and two fish as seed. From that seed Jesus produced a harvest that the people were to enjoy. But we are getting ahead of the story.

Jesus took the five loaves and gave thanks and distributed them to those who were seated. We are not told how the loaves were distributed or at what point the loaves multiplied, but multiply they did because there was enough for everyone to eat his fill and when the leftovers were collected there were twelve baskets full. In like manner the two fish multiplied as they were distributed to the people. What would you think if you were in the crowd and saw what was happening? How would this affect your relationship with Jesus? What kind of emotions would you experience considering your sinful nature? Would this experience encourage you to humble yourself before him in worship and service or would you desire to obtain more from him to enhance your position in life? What will be the response of this crowd now that they have been fed?

Before we consider the response of the crowd, I want to ask a question about gathering up the leftover fragments of food. Why do you think he did that when he has the power to create more fresh food if needed? I believe Jesus is teaching us through this example that we are not to waste that which God provides. People all over the world are starving to death, but here in America we waste so much because we have the means to buy more. All that we have is a gift from God and any surplus should not be wasted, but used to help those in need. Jesus gave a gift of food to these people and saved the leftovers to be used later. Will the crowd overlook this and seek more from him to enhance their lives?

Next time we will see what the people did when they saw the sign that he had done.

Prayer

Father, thank you for all that you have given me. I am sure there are many gifts that I didn’t appreciate, or didn’t properly use, or even wasted. Forgive me for my lack of appreciation and misuse of your provision. I pray that I would be a better steward of your gifts.