John 6:3-6 Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. Therefore, 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?” This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.
Jesus and His disciples went up on the mountain just north of the hometown of Andrew, Peter, and Philip. He may have chosen that location because He was thinking of where 15,000 people could sit and listen. He knew they were following Him, and knew why—they were seeking Him as a material, political savior and provider. The timing of this event was significant, it was during a time of preparation for the Passover, which was preceded by 30 days of solemn consideration of the significance of the event. Perhaps that’s why Jesus and His disciples were retreating, but unsuccessfully, as the horde of Galileans ascended the hill.
Jesus received the crowd as if the Father had sent them to His house. He was obligated to provide refreshment. It was the hospitable thing to do in their middle eastern culture, so He passed the responsibility over to Philip, as a test of his faith. Jesus knew He was going to do a miracle of provision for them. This is where we draw our live to love encouragement for today.
Jesus always knows what He intends to do in and through our lives in every situation that is given to Him by the Father. In this case, the Father put around 15,000 hungry, expectant people in Jesus’ path. In our cases, we may find ourselves facing impossible situations where there are no apparent, sufficient resources. It’s a test! The situation given to Jesus in us will become a test for us. Will we respond to the situation from a secular, natural worldview or from Jesus’ position of trust? Remember, Jesus is our life!
If we have adopted God’s purpose for us, which is to glorify Him by living to love with Jesus, we will pause and filter the situation through Jesus’ three foundational worldview truths. 1). There’s only one God from whom are all things, and He is love. 2). Our souls are satisfied with God’s love and will, revealed in Jesus’ love with and in us. 3). God’s purpose for this situation is to reveal the life of Christ in us and prepare us for glory. That’s how Jesus viewed the situation on the mountain, and He passed the test on to Philip. He did so with a question, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” We will see Philip’s answer in the next verse, but for now, we know that the situation is impossible from a natural perspective.
Have you ever been in such a predicament, an impossible situation with inadequate resources or abilities? I’m sure you have been in, may presently be in, or will be in such a situation. I encourage you to memorize these three worldview perspectives, and apply them to your situation. You are not alone. You have Jesus dwelling with and in you. Expect God to glorify His Son in you as you trust in Him to reveal His life and power in your life.
I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
