Main Thought
In John 6, as He’s preparing to feed a multitude, Jesus gives His disciples a test. What do you do in the face of an impossible situation or a great need? What do we do when we need a miracle? The Disciples responded by pointing to natural, circumstantial factors. Their responses even reveal a hint of doubt or cynicism. These are normal responses - but they weren’t the right answers to Jesus’s test. Thankfully, a little boy passed His test and set an example for the rest of us. First, we begin by getting close to God as we seek Him in our day-to-day lives. Second, we remember His character. God loves us, and He’s powerful enough to help us. Third, we answer God’s call in faith and sacrifice for His cause appropriately. Finally, we act in confident faith - believing that God will show up. We don’t know how God will respond when we ask Him to move. His miraculous blessings can come to us, happen around us, or occur within us as we become more like Christ. But God’s miracles leave our hearts satisfied and end with Him being glorified. We can look forward with hope to these results when we approach God in need of a miracle.
Main Passage
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
- John 6:5-13
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passage above?
Do you need a miracle in your life? It could be any kind of miracle - healing, provision, guidance, deliverance, protection, or more.
There are at least four things we can do when we need a miracle. Which one of those four things (listed in the Main Thought) is most relevant to you right now?