Listen "Feeding the 5000"
Episode Synopsis
Scripture1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd kept following him because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. 3 Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. 5 When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” 10 Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place, so they sat down, about five thousand in all. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” — John 6:1-14Sermon Notes“A true selfless act always sparks another.” - Klaus, Netflix MovieJESUS AS LORD:John is focused on how Jesus transcends our own understanding, and to present a Lordship figure in opposition to the Roman rule of Caesar as Lord. Jesus sought for the world to know exactly who God is, and the life they offered. THIS SIGN SHOWS: …less about what Jesus does in this sign than the actions that happen because of who Jesus is.UNPACKING THE PASSAGE:The crowd is gathers because of who Jesus isThe sign offers to us an opportunity to see the full nature of the Kingdom that is gatherPoints to the role Jesus plays in sustaining us for the journey. The nature of this sign draws us towards the sustaining and communal nature that is the Kingdom. Two ideas in this sign that offer a perspective of the Kingdom that Jesus is bringing. The generosity of the crowd The actions of the crowd itselfJesus is moved to provide food for all the people gathered.Then this small boy offers his meal, not understanding the work that Jesus can do even when the offering seems small. Whether through a supernatural multiplication, or the movement of hearts in the community to offer what they have the food is multiplied…We learn what happens when we offer even the little we may have, as well as the nature in which Jesus will feed us, spiritually that is.When Jesus works in a spiritual way in our lives he can turn all that we give him into sustenance for the journey we are on.It comes from our engagement with Christ, and bringing who we are. Then we recognize how what we bring is multiplied by the This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com
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