“And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come to Him, He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread that all these may eat?’ And this He said to test him: for He Himself knew what He would do.” – (John 6:4-6)
The crowds were huge, the days had been long, the need was now, and they were “in a desert place” far outside the cities. Jesus, having compassion on them because “they were as sheep not having a shepherd,” had taught them until the day was far spent. Jesus asked His disciples what to do in order to draw their faith toward Him. Did they see Him as “I AM,” who provided Manna for Israel in the desert long ago?
Jesus had already taught His disciples… “Take no anxious care, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘How shall we be clothed?’ for after all these things do the nations seek. For your Heavenly Father KNOWS that you have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be ADDED unto you” – (Matthew 6:31-33). Theory is always followed by putting it into practice.
A short time later, the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and had only one loaf with them in the ship. As they reasoned among themselves, Jesus said, “Do you not remember when I broke the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments you took up? Have you hardened your heart?” – (Mark 8:17-19). Past provisions are intended to instruct us to rely on Him afresh for future needs. Whatever stresses us today, “Jesus knows Himself what He will do.”
We can trust He will supply.
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