Philip Fails the Exam

John 6:1–14
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt got tired of smiling that big smile and decided to find out whether anybody was paying attention to what he was saying. As each person came up to him with extended ... More

Examination

There were great multitudes that followed Jesus everywhere He went because they did not want to miss the tremendous excitement of the “signs” which he did (vv. 1-4). They had just traveled along the northern shore of the sea of Galilee through rugged terrain to get to where He was. Jesus was determined to do something for these people. At the same time, He used this occasion to give His disciples what we can call a mid-term exam. They had seen the mighty power of God demonstrated many times. Jesus used this occasion to test their faith.

We cannot be sure why, but He chose to examine Philip first, but on this mid-term exam he got a big “F.” Jesus said to Philip, “How are we to buy bread so that these people may eat?” (v. 5) Jesus knew that Philip could not possibly answer His question, as there were no stores nearby and they had very little money (v. 6). In other words, Philip was presented with a problem that had no answer.

Philip said “we don’t have enough money” (v. 7). “We can’t do this.” He gave up in despair, as he thought there was no way this problem could be solved. At this point Jesus had the people sit down, and He miraculously feeds them, having 12full baskets of leftovers (vv. 8-14). What do we do in similar situations? Feed the multitudes? Do we respond like Philip? Many times, churches and individuals tell missionaries that they would like to help, but that they do not have enough money to give. Jesus never asks us to start accumulating more before we begin to minister. All He wants is what we have now. We begin with what we have and let Him do the rest. If we are thankful for what we have, God will make it go farther than we can imagine.

Application

God, please forgive me for being so much like Philip. Help me to see the multitudes who are lost and look for ways I can help to feed them spiritually.

John 6:1-14 (English Standard Version)

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