Thoughts on the Gospel of John (67) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Then Jesus lifted up his eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward him, he said to Philip, Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat? But this he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. But Philip answered him, Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?
John 6: 5 - 9.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (67)
A great multitude without food on a bare mountain leads us to think they will disperse and return home. Yet here is One who knows both what He intends doing and that He has to power to do it. Even before Andrew remarks on the small boy with the loaves and the fish, the Lord is aware of what is available. Knowing everything from the outset and planning with certainty and authority are irrefutable signs of Jesus' deity. How sympathetic He is towards people! As true Man He knows what hunger is.

Before the Lord acts and shows His omnipotence, He takes the opportunity to test His disciples' faith. Would they trust His unrestricted ability, when their possibilities were exhausted? Sadly, no! When Philip assesses how much bread they would need, Andrew laments the little they have. None of the disciples thinks of the Lord and the abundance He has at His command and that we can benefit from by faith.

Are things any different today? Our worries and problems consist all too often in our failing to realise that our Lord is ready to help and knows precisely what His purpose for us is.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today‘s reading: Ezekiel 8: 1 - 18 · Psalms 118: 1 - 14