Feeding the Multitude
H. J. W. Buxton, M. A. John 6:1-21 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.… I. WHATEVER WE HAVE IS THE GIFT OF GOD: money, talents, time, influence, etc. II. WHATSOEVER GOOD THINGS GOD HAS GIVEN US, WE MUST GIVE THEM ALSO TO OTHERS. Nothing is given exclusively for self. III. NO GIFT MUST BE UNDERVALUED BECAUSE IT IS SMALL. What is insignificant to us may be made vastly useful by the blessing of God. IV. THERE IS A HUNGRY MULTITUDE AROUND US WAITING FOR OUR GIFT. 1. Some are starving for want of peace and comfort in religion — neighbours, friends, members of our own families. 2. Some are starving for want of a little kindly sympathy. 3. Some are starving in sickness and pain for the want of loving help and ministry. V. THIS GIFT MUST BE DISPENSED WITH SELF-FORGETFULNESS. It was this forgetfulness of self that made Henry Lawrence, the gentle, godly hero of the Indian Mutiny, the best beloved of all his soldiers. When he was dying, the General whispered, as his last words, "let there be no fuss about me, bury me with the men." When another hero, Sir Ralph Abercromby, had got his death-wound, in the battle of Aboukir, they placed a private soldier's blanket under his head, thus causing him much relief. He asked what it was. He was answered that "it was only a soldier's blanket!" He insisted on knowing to whom it belonged. They told him it belonged to Duncan Roy, of the 42nd. "Then see that Duncan Roy has his blanket this very night," said the dying man; he would not, to ease his own agony, deprive a common soldier of his comfort. (H. J. W. Buxton, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. WEB: After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is also called the Sea of Tiberias.