John 6:1-15

The People Had An Immediate and Pressing Need vv 1-6

 This episode takes place after Jesus healed an invalid (Jn 5:1- 15).  Everyone knew what Jesus had done.  The crowds follow Jesus because they, too, need healing.  “When Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick” (Matt 14:14).  “The multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing” (Lk 9:11).

 The people also need something to eat.  “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” (v 5).  “When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food’” (Matt 14:15).  The crowd Jesus encounters had some real needs.  Many are sick, perhaps with diseases no doctor can cure.  They are hungry, and far from a place to find food.

How many people today have immediate & pressing needs?

The People Had An Immediate Person To Address That Need vv 7-11

 When He sees the crowd, Jesus has compassion.  He has already asked Philip where they’re going to buy bread for the people to eat.  “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little,” v 7.  Do we sometimes want to keep our distance from hurting people?  Andrew: “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” v 9.  Sometimes, like Andrew, we want to help but feel so inadequate.

 This text shows the inadequacies of the apostles.  Philip couldn’t come up with enough money.  Andrew couldn’t come up with enough food.  Jesus can help!

The People Had An Immediate Response To Their Need

 Jesus will help us when we need help, too.  Sometimes the response isn’t immediate.  “He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Lk 18:1).  If help is always immediate, why “pray and not lose heart”?

 At times, God does help us immediately.  Forgiveness is immediate.  “Now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).  Comfort can be immediate.  “[Cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7).

 How will we respond when others need our help.  There is great danger in waiting to help.  “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (Jn 9:4).  “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Js 4:17).  Will we wait when others need us, or will we help as soon as possible?