Christ Feeding the Five Thousand
Family Churchman
John 6:1-21
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.…


I. OUR LORD OFTEN PUTS QUESTIONS TO HIS DISCIPLES WHICH THEY CANNOT ANSWER, AND LAYS ON THEM DUTIES WHICH THEY CANNOT PERFORM BY THEMSELVES. His object is to prove them, and to reveal their ignorance and weakness, that they may appeal to Him for help.

II. CHRIST IS THE GOD OF ORDER, AND NOT OF CONFUSION. His methodical and orderly arrangement —

1. Facilitated the feeding of the multitude.

2. Allowed the miracle to be clearly seen.

3. Prevented crushing.

4. Secured that none should be overlooked.

5. Enabled the disciples to count. Note the ordiliness of Christ's kingdom.

III. CHRIST EXHIBITS DIVINE RESERVE IN THE EXERCISE OF HIS MIRACULOUS POWER.

1. He used existing materials.

2. Employed existing agencies.

3. Although He could have created food and satisfied hunger without any aid.

4. Apologetic significance of this.

IV. CHRIST TEACHES US TO RECOGNIZE GOD AS THE GIVER OF OUR FOOD AND COMFORTS (ver. 11).

V. CHRIST TEACHES THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM TO EXPECT AMPLE PROVISION FOR THEIR TEMPORAL WANTS.

VI. CHRIST TEACHES US A LESSON OF ECONOMY IN THE MIDST OF PLENTY. However little He gives there is a surplus. But whether He gives little or much, the surplus is not to be wasted.

VII. THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MIRACLE.

1. Christ is the bread of life from heaven.

2. He fills with Himself every hungry soul who eats.

3. He gives Himself by means of His disciples.

(Family Churchman.)



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.




Christ Feeding the Five Thousand
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