Think about an overwhelming problem you are faced with right now, where you simply don’t have what it takes to meet the need. Something that feels like it’s beyond you – you don’t have the strength, stamina, time, money or ability. You’ve come to the end of yourself, and you don’t have what it takes. The miraculous feeding of the 5000 in John 6:1-15 teaches us how to handle life when things begin to feel impossible.
Jesus knows what he’s doing
John 6:5 sets the scene with Jesus in Galilee, and a large crowd is approaching Him. John, the Gospel writer, observes Jesus closely, emphasizing the importance of fixing our gaze on Him. As we face life’s challenges, distractions, and uncertainties, keeping our eyes on Jesus is crucial. He knows what He’s doing, even when we don’t. In verse 6, Jesus asks Philip where they can buy bread to feed the crowd. However, John clarifies that Jesus already knew what He would do. Jesus often tests our faith, not to trip us up, but to strengthen it. James 1:3 tells us that trials produce steadfastness and maturity.
Phillip’s response reveals his focus on the overwhelming need. He calculates the cost - he's assessing the scale of the problem. We all encounter situations where the need seems insurmountable. It could be a personal challenge, a relationship issue, or a daunting task. Andrew on the other hand, points out the young boy with five barley loaves and two fish. From a human perspective, these resources are inadequate. Often, we assess our own resources and abilities which inevitably leaves us with a sense of our own inadequacy. But Jesus operates beyond our limitations. The key lesson lies in Jesus’ knowledge. He already knows what He will do. Our inadequacy doesn’t surprise Him. When we face overwhelming situations, remember that Jesus is aware, and His provision goes beyond our calculation.
However, unbelief lurks beneath our surface. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we question God’s ability. Jesus tests our unbelief, revealing what lies within. Trusting Him requires surrendering our doubts and fears. The same God who sustained the 2 million Israelites with manna for years now stands next to Phillip and Andrew yet neither include him in their calculation.
Jesus can be trusted
In verse 10, Jesus instructs the disciples to have the crowd of 5000 men sit down, the number was likely nearing 20,000 (including women and children). Their faith is tested as they face a seemingly impossible situation: feeding this multitude with only five barley loaves and two fish. Despite their lack of understanding, the disciples immediately obeyed & created a posture of expectation as the crowd sat. Their faith grew through action. They didn’t ask why or seek a purpose; they simply followed Jesus’ command. Their obedience was an act of faith.
Jesus took what they had, blessed it, broke it and multiplied it. The result? An abundance of food—enough for everyone, with leftovers. Only God could create something out of nothing. Did you catch it? He uses what we are willing to giving Him. This happens over and over in the Bible - He blesses it, He breaks it, and then there is a miracle. Then when God hands it back to us, we are accountable for how we steward the blessing. The disciples distributed the multiplied food wisely. I can't help but imagine that they questioned whether there would be enough for them to eat after seeing all of the people be blessed through them. But when God is working through us, He will always ensure we are cared for.
Jesus can’t be manipulated
What is the thing that you would want most for Christ to do in your life right now? The thing you would want changed. The prayer you would want answered the most. If we aren’t careful, once we’ve seen the glory of Christ, we’ll begin to see him as a means to an end – our end. The line of thinking goes, "If I can make him mine, I can use his power to get what I long for."
Contrast the crowd’s response with that of the disciples. The crowd saw Jesus’ glory and wanted to manipulate it for their own political agenda (John 6:14-15). But the disciples trusted Him without trying to seize Him for their purposes. A life of faith isn’t about making Jesus serve our desires. We don’t set the agenda; He does. Our role is to trust, follow, and obey—even when we don’t fully understand. Will we be like the crowd, seeking to manipulate Jesus, or like the disciples, trusting Him implicitly?
Jesus wants to meet our needs
Now, let’s go back to the beginning, that seemingly impossible problem that you long to have fixed. Ask yourself – what is the need that lies beneath that problem? Is it a need to feel seen, a need to be loved, a need to feel worthy, a need to feel emotionally safe? Could it be that the problem itself is what God is using to draw us near as He begs us to allow Him to heal the root of the problem that is buried deep within?
We used this scripture and line of questioning this past Wednesday and experienced a nearness of the healing power of Christ that you could reach out and touch! Let’s decide to walk in obedience and faith, knowing that Jesus can be trusted. His grace exceeds our best thoughts. And when life begins to feel impossible – it’s a sign that Jesus is near!
Amanda Apodaca
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