Thoughts on the Gospel of John (68) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Then Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, he said to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost. Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments which were left over.
John 6: 10 - 13.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (68)
5,000 hungry men! How helpless one must feel, when only five barley loaves and two fish are available! It must be embarrassing to mention the inadequate amount.

The Son of God knew what He was about to do. With such knowledge and authority He did not despise the minimum that the boy had to hand. Nor did He ignore the incredulous disciples. Both, the people and what was available, were part of His purpose.

"Make the people sit down!" Normally it takes some effort to achieve quiet and order among 5,000 hungry men. Here, however, it is the Son of God speaking, and all obeyed His instructions.

Before they ate, Jesus gave thanks. Is that our custom? God has created everything for us to accept thankfully from Him (cf. ). This earth's natural produce and all spiritual blessings have their origin in God.

When the Son of God is the Giver, no need goes unfulfilled. Everyone gets what is wanted. And there is even enough to spare. This miracle formed the basis for the instruction in the rest of the chapter: the Son of God as the Bread of Life, in whom all can find spiritual satisfaction.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today‘s reading: Ezekiel 14: 12 - 15: 8 · Psalms 119: 81 - 96