John 6: True Food and True Drink - Feb 17 2019

This is the only miracle Jesus performed that is reported in all four gospelsIn Matthew, Mark, and John this miracle is immediately followed by another–when Jesus walked on water– Mark adds an intriguing footnote to that event regarding the disciples:And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened (Mk. 6:51-52)• he indicates that something was revealed in the miracle of the loaves and fish◦ but the disciples missed it, and that was because their hearts were hardened• in other words, their minds were set in mode of thinking◦ and that meant the miracle could not penetrate their hearts– this inability to understand is exactly what John addresses in his gospel• therefore, the miracle of the loaves becomes an opportunity◦ Jesus uses it for an extended session of interactive teaching◦ as Jesus taught, the crowd became increasingly frustrated, untilAfter this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him (v. 66)John adds another feature to the story–Jesus “tested” Philip– after a quick calculation, Philip decided providing food for everyone could not be done• they did not have the resources– but Jesus not only tested Philip, he went on to test the crowd• the whole chapter is one test after another• Jesus used impossibilities to stretch them into faith