[:en]JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND (vs. 1-15)
Philip was from Bethaida, who knew where to get food. So Jesus asked him: “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (v. 5) Instead of answering His question, Philip started to assess the probable cost and affirmed the impossibility of feeding them. But Jesus wanted to teach him that if God wants him to do something, he will provide the resources.
Many times we limit what God can do in us by assuming what is and is not possible. Do not let your own presumption of what cannot be done keep you from taking on the task.
The little boy was a young child. He gave what little he had and Jesus used it to feed the five thousand and accomplish one of the most spectacular miracles recorded in the Gospels. But the disciples knew that they did not have enough, so they did not give anything at all.
If you offer nothing to God, then He will have nothing to use. But if you offer even a little of what you have, Jesus can turn it into something great. If you make yourself available to God, He will show you how He can use you to advance His kingdom. Never think that you are too young or too inadequate to be of service to Him.
JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER (VS. 16-24)
While the disciples were on a boat going to Capernaum, they encountered a storm with high waves. During their frightening moments, Jesus walked in the water and approached the boat saying: “It is I, do not be afraid” (v. 20)
When you face spiritual and emotional storms with terrifying circumstances, do not be afraid. Trust your life to Christ. He can keep you safe and give you peace in any storm of life.
JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE (vs. 25-59)
Jesus criticized people who followed him only for physical benefits and not for spiritual needs. Many people today also use religion with self combined motive to gain wealth or reputation.
Jesus is the bread of life who can satisfy our spiritual hunger. Let us invite Him into our daily life and be united with Him by establishing a close relationship with Him.
Jesus’ main purpose is to do the will of God. Anyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. Let us also strive to do the will of God.
MANY DISCIPLES DESERT JESUS (vs. 60-70)
The Jews could not accept the divinity of Christ because they saw him only as a carpenter from Nazareth. Many rejected and deserted Him. But when He asked the twelve: “You do no want to leave too, do you?” (v. 67) Simon Peter answered: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (vs. 68-69).
Then Jesus foretold that one of them is a devil. He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who later betrayed Him. (v. 70)
Today, many people still turn away from Christ. Some will pretend to follow by going to church but with other purposes – status symbol, friend’s approval, material benefits, business opportunities. But there are some who will stay with Christ and truly believe in Him. There are only two real responses to Jesus: – either you accept Him or reject Him. What is your response to Christ?[:]