Lessons of the Loaves
| Point I: Before looking at John's version of the feeding of the five thousand, we need to first read Mark's story of what happened afterwards when Jesus walked on the water in the midst of a storm. Reading Mark 6: 45-52 (KJV) "And straightaway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship and to go to the other side before into Bethsaida, while he sent the people away. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit and cried out: for they all saw him and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them and saith unto them, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased; and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened." This is the story of what followed the miracle of the loaves. The disciples enter into a boat to cross over to the city of Bethsaida. Jesus was going to meet them there. When out in the lake, a storm arose that threatened to capsize their boat and endanger their lives. Fear and anxiety gripped the disciples hearts and they began to panic in the throes of the strong wind and waves. Now notice in verse 52 that Mark tells us that something that had happened that afternoon should have helped them that night on the sea. Verse 52 reads, "They considered not the miracle of the loaves." I strongly suggest to you that in the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus was teaching them something that would be a help to them in the midst of life's storms. When Jesus performed this miracle, it was not for show, nor was he performing to impress the disciples. He was teaching them. They were being given a lesson in God's School of Higher Learning. Now keep your finger at Mark 6 and turn to Chapter 6 of John's gospel and let's discover some of the lessons that Jesus was teaching his disciples. If they were important for the early disciples to understand, then it's also important for you and I to grab hold of them. If we can learn those lessons, then when our boat encounters a storm and we find ourselves in water over our head, we won't panic and fall apart. |
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