David Bahn – Reflections

John 6:1-15

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 worth of bread would not be enough 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 tothe mountain by himself.

I’ve been hard at work trying to make certain that my sabbatical experience is true to my goals and productive in its outcome. This is a good thing, but only insofar as it goes. The problem with my efforts so far is that it’s all on me; I need to lean into the promise of God more fully, and embrace his provision for me and for others.

This account of Jesus feeding the 5000 is a reminder to me of the generosity and grace of God, for not only will Jesus feed these people, he will teach his disciples through this miracle. Jesus knew what he would do when he asked Philip where they were going to buy food for the people. But Jesus had no intention of buying bread for the people. He was set to perform a miracle. He was going to show his disciples and the people the provision of God. He was going to do this in such a manner that there would be more than enough – twelve baskets filled with the leftovers of the meal.

I need to remember the provision and promises of God today. I can strive and work and make every effort to be faithful and fruitful in my discipleship. I can follow Jesus’ call and do everything in my power to make the most of this time that I have been given. But God’s provision, promises and resources are important for me to keep in mind today. He supplies the needs of the people. He cares about the multitudes. He cares about his disciples. His supply is more than enough.

For that I am deeply thankful, and hope to remember that when my supply is running low, and when I’m wondering how God is going to resource his kingdom’s work through me. And when I think/realize that this was a meal in the wilderness, a simple “daily bread” provision (abundant and miraculous to be sure!), it speaks to me even more deeply. Somehow I may have lost sight of these things. Perhaps you have too. Thankfully we have this reminder!