Today’s
Scripture: John 6
“Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming
to Him, said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” (vs.
5)
Words
of Devotion
After seeing Jesus healing the sick, a large crowd had
followed Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Desiring to spend time
with His disciples, Jesus “went up on the mountain” (v. 3). Still the crowds
followed, seemingly unconcerned for their practical need for food. But Jesus
had not forgotten.
He turned to Philip and asked, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may
eat?” Here we see how Jesus wanted Philip (and the other disciples) to face the
situation and think through the options. We’re told that Jesus asked this
question “to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do” (v. 6).
This was a test to evaluate his maturity and discernment, and Philip’s response
revealed that he still was dominated by human reasoning: “Two hundred denarii
worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little”
(v. 7).
The real miracle only began to take shape after Andrew reported to Jesus,
“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish.” Even so, Andrew
was not convinced that this would make a difference: “What are these for so
many people?” (vs. 8-9)
But this simple act was all that Jesus needed to perform the miracle. He
blessed the loaves and fish, and then the disciples distributed them among the
people. Everyone was fully satisfied, and there was an abundant supply left
over (vs. 10-14).
Today,
remember that Jesus wants to work in the same way in your life. As you face
challenges, realize that He may be giving you a test. Are you spiritually
mature? What is your frame of reference? Are you primarily guided by the flesh
or by the Spirit? Are you walking by faith or by sight? Are you willing to step
out in faith and trust Him, recognizing that He can do anything? He wants to do
miracles in your life!
Today's
Prayer: Father, open my eyes to what You are
trying to teach me. I seek spiritual discernment. Change my life by Your
Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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