warm-up

Share your most memorable family vacation. Why was it unforgettable?

How do you respond when things do not go according to plan? How do you go about it?

How did a family member or friend come through for you in a trying time? Share your experience.

word

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

(Read also John 6:1-14; 27-34.)

In John 6, a large crowd had gathered to hear Jesus preach, and there was no food for all of them to eat. In yet another miracle, which is traditionally known as the fourth sign that proves that Jesus is God, He provided food for them by multiplying the loaves and fish given to Him (John 6:11). However, there was something more to the miracle that Jesus performed. Following are three lessons we can glean from Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand: His faithfulness in the past, His provision in the present, and His promise for eternity.

1
God’s Faithfulness in the Past

“Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” John 6:31

The feeding of the 5,000 was a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the past, especially seen in the provision of manna. God had provided for His people when He delivered them from Egypt, and He supplied them with food for forty years in the desert (Exodus 16:15). Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000 proves His faithfulness. How has God’s provision for you proved His faithfulness?

2
God’s Provision in the Present

³²Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:32,33

(Read also John 6:11.)

By feeding the 5,000, Jesus did what no one else could. He took what little was given to Him and caused it to overflow for everyone, so that they could all enjoy what He gave them. He could do this because He is God, and He has the power to step in to a most real and dire situation. How did people respond to this miracle? (John 6:14)

3
God’s Promise for Eternity

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

More than just being able to provide for our needs, Jesus Himself is our provision. He is the only one who can truly enrich and satisfy us. Physical things are of value, and we need them, but we must look beyond what the world can offer, and look to Christ. Each of us can have everlasting satisfaction and provision in a relationship with Him. What does Jesus promise us today? (John 10:10)

application

How has God provided for you? List five things that He has provided and share how grateful you are for His faithfulness and provision.

Do you believe that God can provide for your needs? How can you grow in deeper trust and commitment to Him, beginning today?

Knowing that God has a promise for us in eternity, commit to a relationship with Him beginning today. How can you look to Him to enrich and satisfy you this week?

prayer

Look back and thank God for His faithfulness in your life. Be expectant for more miracles that He will unfold in your life this year.

Pray for provision, so that you can be a blessing to others.

Ask God for a deeper understanding and appreciation of His work in your life. Commit to share about His goodness to the people around you.

© 2017 by VICTORY®
All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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