Scripture Reading: John 6:1-15
This long chapter (71 verses) is all about Jesus being bread. The main point of the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 is to say, not only that Jesus gives bread, but the Jesus is bread … the bread of life (Jn 6:48,51). The only miracle Jesus did that is recorded in all four gospels is the feeding of the five thousand. Involving easily more than ten thousand people (including women and children), it is understandable that this is one of the most recognizable of Jesus' miracles.
To consider that Jesus created food for so many people, on the spot from five loaves of bread and two fish, has sweeping ramifications for us. First, Jesus is the source of eternal life. This is the main point of this miracle. "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever" (Jn 6:51).
Second, Matthew 14:14 says that when Jesus saw the crowd following Him, "he had compassion on them." On this occasion Jesus both taught and healed the sick. Jesus cares about the physical and spiritual needs that people have. He is a compassionate Creator and displays His mercy in many ways every day. This is a great comfort to our needy souls.
Third, the pride-shattering power of Christ is on display in this story, which, as we consider the magnitude of Jesus' capability, should cause us to sit in stunned silence. The power of Christ both humbles us and strengthens us. We are humbled as we bow down before omnipotence and we find strength because, as Christians, Christ dwells in us by His Spirit. The Biblical exhortation is "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Eph 6:10).
