1 00:00:00,930 --> 00:00:03,570 Speaker 1: Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. 2 00:00:04,330 --> 00:00:07,720 Speaker 1: Whoever comes to me will not be hungry, and whoever 3 00:00:07,780 --> 00:00:14,720 Speaker 1: believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6.33 Dear 4 00:00:14,760 --> 00:00:19,920 Speaker 1: Lord Jesus, in you we find the fulfillment of every need, want, 5 00:00:20,480 --> 00:00:24,430 Speaker 1: and desire. For you are the true bread from heaven 6 00:00:24,810 --> 00:00:29,310 Speaker 1: that sustains our souls, brings us life, and offers us 7 00:00:29,410 --> 00:00:35,589 Speaker 1: eternal satisfactions. Lord, in a world that relentlessly tempts us 8 00:00:35,729 --> 00:00:40,350 Speaker 1: with fleeting pleasures and shallow promises of fulfillment, help us 9 00:00:40,370 --> 00:00:45,370 Speaker 1: to steadfastly look to Jesus for everything. Teach us to 10 00:00:45,430 --> 00:00:51,550 Speaker 1: find our contentment, joy, and purpose in you alone, denying 11 00:00:51,590 --> 00:00:54,430 Speaker 1: the vapid offers of the world that only lead to emptiness. 12 00:00:55,580 --> 00:00:59,520 Speaker 1: May we daily feast on the bread of life, finding 13 00:00:59,580 --> 00:01:03,560 Speaker 1: in you a richness and depth that the world cannot give. 14 00:01:05,040 --> 00:01:08,610 Speaker 1: Empower us, God, to live lives that reflect our reliance 15 00:01:08,700 --> 00:01:14,569 Speaker 1: on you for everything. May our words and actions testify 16 00:01:14,610 --> 00:01:18,630 Speaker 1: to your sufficiency, leading others to seek you as the 17 00:01:18,709 --> 00:01:23,810 Speaker 1: source of true satisfaction in life. In all things, let 18 00:01:23,890 --> 00:01:26,490 Speaker 1: our hearts be anchored in the truth that in you, 19 00:01:27,430 --> 00:01:34,009 Speaker 1: we have everything we need. In your precious name we pray. Amen. 20 00:01:35,130 --> 00:01:38,030 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. This is the 21 00:01:38,090 --> 00:01:42,470 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories brought to life in new ways. 22 00:01:43,610 --> 00:01:47,940 Speaker 1: Are you in need of satisfaction and purpose today? Remain 23 00:01:47,980 --> 00:01:53,300 Speaker 1: here to listen to a story on power, provision, and providence. 24 00:01:55,540 --> 00:01:59,600 Speaker 1: Everything was quiet. No clamoring from people in need or 25 00:01:59,660 --> 00:02:00,860 Speaker 1: scoffs from Pharisees. 26 00:02:01,980 --> 00:02:02,300 Speaker 2: Peace. 27 00:02:04,200 --> 00:02:09,020 Speaker 1: These were cherished moments for Jesus. There are times when 28 00:02:09,100 --> 00:02:11,870 Speaker 1: someone needs to be alone to escape the chaos and 29 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:15,250 Speaker 1: cruelty of the world. It was true for the Son 30 00:02:15,260 --> 00:02:19,850 Speaker 1: of God as much as anybody. Jesus sat in a 31 00:02:19,910 --> 00:02:23,630 Speaker 1: boat and floated on the calm waters of the sea alone. 32 00:02:25,110 --> 00:02:30,080 Speaker 1: Beneath him Rippled in the water's surface, clouds moved along 33 00:02:30,139 --> 00:02:35,609 Speaker 1: the water's reflection. He dipped his hand in and raised 34 00:02:35,650 --> 00:02:39,109 Speaker 1: it out, letting the water slowly trickle out of his 35 00:02:39,150 --> 00:02:44,250 Speaker 1: hand back into the sea. Jesus had just received news 36 00:02:44,310 --> 00:02:50,160 Speaker 1: that his cousin John had been murdered, cruelly murdered. King 37 00:02:50,200 --> 00:02:53,799 Speaker 1: Herod had taken his head for nothing more than speaking 38 00:02:53,820 --> 00:03:00,889 Speaker 1: the truth. truth was John's passion. He had come heralding 39 00:03:01,070 --> 00:03:05,060 Speaker 1: the truth. That is why Jesus had come as well, 40 00:03:05,780 --> 00:03:09,660 Speaker 1: to testify to the truth. He knew he would see 41 00:03:09,720 --> 00:03:14,040 Speaker 1: John again one day, but not until his work was finished, 42 00:03:14,960 --> 00:03:21,960 Speaker 1: his mission. Jesus watched the steady sunset. The sun dipped 43 00:03:22,100 --> 00:03:26,280 Speaker 1: orange near the horizons and cast a warm golden glow 44 00:03:26,639 --> 00:03:31,060 Speaker 1: along the waters. Against the cruelty of the world there 45 00:03:31,100 --> 00:03:36,880 Speaker 1: can only be compassion. And his path would take him 46 00:03:37,060 --> 00:03:41,380 Speaker 1: a bitter turn as well. But John had gone on first. 47 00:03:44,750 --> 00:03:49,070 Speaker 1: Jesus slowly paddled back to shore. As he drew closer 48 00:03:49,150 --> 00:03:53,050 Speaker 1: he saw a large crowd forming on the sand. They 49 00:03:53,070 --> 00:03:56,250 Speaker 1: had followed him along the coast. They were desperate for him. 50 00:03:57,810 --> 00:04:01,330 Speaker 1: Jesus floated onto the shoreline where crowds waited for him 51 00:04:01,450 --> 00:04:06,940 Speaker 1: with their sick. Men and women in bandages. Children with 52 00:04:07,040 --> 00:04:11,840 Speaker 1: aches and injuries. And Jesus felt his heart twist in 53 00:04:11,900 --> 00:04:15,660 Speaker 1: his chest. Their pain was not an inconvenience to him. 54 00:04:16,580 --> 00:04:21,280 Speaker 1: He was moved with compassion. Jesus got out of the boat. 55 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:25,320 Speaker 1: and drew a deep breath. It would be a long night. 56 00:04:26,740 --> 00:04:30,320 Speaker 1: He steadied his feet, whispered a prayer to his father, 57 00:04:31,020 --> 00:04:31,580 Speaker 1: and clapped. 58 00:04:32,100 --> 00:04:34,180 Speaker 3: All right, let's begin. 59 00:04:34,700 --> 00:04:39,640 Speaker 1: The crowd thrust forward. His disciples surrounded him. They had 60 00:04:39,740 --> 00:04:43,500 Speaker 1: also followed him along the shore. They knew Jesus would 61 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:43,990 Speaker 1: need help. 62 00:04:44,990 --> 00:04:47,370 Speaker 3: One at a time, one at a time. I will 63 00:04:47,410 --> 00:04:49,310 Speaker 3: speak with each and every one of you. 64 00:04:49,810 --> 00:04:53,860 Speaker 1: Jesus saw them all. He knew them all. He loved 65 00:04:53,960 --> 00:04:54,400 Speaker 1: them all. 66 00:04:58,580 --> 00:05:01,400 Speaker 4: Have you ever felt lost in the crowd? Like you're 67 00:05:01,420 --> 00:05:04,060 Speaker 4: just a number moving along with the flow of life? 68 00:05:04,690 --> 00:05:08,810 Speaker 4: During Jesus' ministry, he encountered multitudes of people nearly everywhere 69 00:05:08,850 --> 00:05:12,010 Speaker 4: he went. But despite the driving numbers, he never let 70 00:05:12,110 --> 00:05:15,029 Speaker 4: anyone get lost in the crowd. He knew each person 71 00:05:15,110 --> 00:05:17,800 Speaker 4: who came to hear him teach. He saw every person 72 00:05:17,830 --> 00:05:20,960 Speaker 4: who approached him for healing. and cared about every single 73 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:24,020 Speaker 4: heart that sought Him out. From our greatest of needs 74 00:05:24,060 --> 00:05:27,460 Speaker 4: to our smallest, Jesus knows them all and will meet 75 00:05:27,500 --> 00:05:31,849 Speaker 4: them with a compassionate heart. Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, 76 00:05:32,140 --> 00:05:34,650 Speaker 4: a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love 77 00:05:34,730 --> 00:05:38,470 Speaker 4: through storytelling and the glory of God's truth through honest reflection. 78 00:05:39,050 --> 00:05:42,010 Speaker 4: I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com. Thanks for joining us today. 79 00:05:42,330 --> 00:05:45,550 Speaker 4: I'm excited to explore more miraculous moments with you. As 80 00:05:45,589 --> 00:05:47,270 Speaker 4: we jump in, be sure to take a second to 81 00:05:47,310 --> 00:05:51,800 Speaker 4: follow the podcast. Among Jesus' miracles, there were several that 82 00:05:51,920 --> 00:05:55,310 Speaker 4: stand out as iconic. One of these is Jesus feeding 83 00:05:55,320 --> 00:05:58,669 Speaker 4: the 5,000. As most of his miracles were directed at 84 00:05:58,870 --> 00:06:02,630 Speaker 4: one individual, this miracle ministered to thousands of people at once. 85 00:06:03,190 --> 00:06:05,990 Speaker 4: As Jesus begins healing the crowds, the day is getting 86 00:06:06,089 --> 00:06:08,570 Speaker 4: late and the disciples consider sending the people away to 87 00:06:08,589 --> 00:06:11,690 Speaker 4: gather food in the villages. But Jesus has another plan. 88 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:16,140 Speaker 4: Despite the mass numbers, which likely amount closer to 15,000 89 00:06:16,140 --> 00:06:18,730 Speaker 4: after counting the women and children, the Lord had a 90 00:06:18,770 --> 00:06:21,720 Speaker 4: plan to effectively minister to them all. As we dive 91 00:06:21,740 --> 00:06:24,520 Speaker 4: into our story, we'll have a glimpse into a vulnerable 92 00:06:24,580 --> 00:06:27,680 Speaker 4: moment from Jesus. He hears about John the Baptist's death, 93 00:06:28,140 --> 00:06:30,320 Speaker 4: but Jesus knows his comfort comes from his Father in 94 00:06:30,360 --> 00:06:32,900 Speaker 4: heaven and that his plan will redeem the brokenness of 95 00:06:32,920 --> 00:06:36,290 Speaker 4: the world. Without allowing grief to consume his purpose, he 96 00:06:36,350 --> 00:06:40,330 Speaker 4: moves with incredible spirit-powered love to stay focused on the 97 00:06:40,370 --> 00:06:41,349 Speaker 4: mission at hand. 98 00:06:41,870 --> 00:06:48,760 Speaker 1: Let's dive in. The sun hung low and blood-red on 99 00:06:48,779 --> 00:06:52,540 Speaker 1: the horizon. Purple light shone on the waters of the sea. 100 00:06:53,640 --> 00:06:56,860 Speaker 1: The light about them was blue, but the heat in 101 00:06:56,900 --> 00:07:00,750 Speaker 1: the air draped over them like a blanket. There was 102 00:07:00,790 --> 00:07:04,950 Speaker 1: no wind. It was beautiful, like a place set out 103 00:07:04,990 --> 00:07:09,369 Speaker 1: of time, a place of beauty and healing and rest. 104 00:07:11,110 --> 00:07:15,810 Speaker 1: The disciples ushered people to Jesus one by one. Hundreds 105 00:07:15,910 --> 00:07:20,440 Speaker 1: quickly turned to thousands. Jesus attended to each one of 106 00:07:20,500 --> 00:07:27,180 Speaker 1: them intentionally and with great tenderness and love. Although exhausted, Jesus' 107 00:07:27,220 --> 00:07:33,550 Speaker 1: hands were steady. His gaze maintained its warmth. Jesus was 108 00:07:33,670 --> 00:07:38,170 Speaker 1: fueled by something greater than flesh and bone. The Spirit 109 00:07:38,510 --> 00:07:43,110 Speaker 1: was alive in him, propelling him forward when he felt weary. 110 00:07:44,820 --> 00:07:47,550 Speaker 1: The disciples, however, were growing irritable. 111 00:07:48,010 --> 00:07:51,170 Speaker 5: The sun's nearly set, and we've barely seen half of 112 00:07:51,210 --> 00:07:51,710 Speaker 5: these people. 113 00:07:52,310 --> 00:07:53,330 Speaker 1: Peter murmured to Andrew. 114 00:07:54,710 --> 00:07:58,550 Speaker 6: And everyone who's been healed has remained to hear Jesus preach. 115 00:07:59,530 --> 00:08:01,690 Speaker 6: There's only so much time in a day. 116 00:08:02,070 --> 00:08:03,840 Speaker 1: Peter approached Jesus, whispering. 117 00:08:04,560 --> 00:08:08,780 Speaker 6: This is a desolate place, and the day is over now. 118 00:08:09,620 --> 00:08:12,080 Speaker 6: Send the crowds away to go into the villages and 119 00:08:12,120 --> 00:08:13,180 Speaker 6: buy food for themselves. 120 00:08:13,740 --> 00:08:16,200 Speaker 1: Jesus, sensing Peter's hunger, turned to him. 121 00:08:16,580 --> 00:08:19,780 Speaker 3: We've only just begun, Peter. They don't need to leave yet. 122 00:08:20,300 --> 00:08:22,720 Speaker 3: Go and give them something to eat. 123 00:08:23,420 --> 00:08:26,980 Speaker 5: Me? Sure, let me whip something right up. 124 00:08:27,400 --> 00:08:28,900 Speaker 1: Jesus gestured to Philip. 125 00:08:29,200 --> 00:08:31,110 Speaker 3: Where can we buy bread for these people to eat? 126 00:08:31,630 --> 00:08:35,050 Speaker 1: Jesus knew his question was absurd, but he was leading 127 00:08:35,110 --> 00:08:39,510 Speaker 1: the disciples through a process. He wanted them to grapple 128 00:08:39,570 --> 00:08:42,270 Speaker 1: with the enormity of this task. Philip shrugged. 129 00:08:43,220 --> 00:08:46,990 Speaker 2: Uh, well, Master, it isn't a matter of where to 130 00:08:47,030 --> 00:08:50,650 Speaker 2: get enough bread. We don't have enough money to provide 131 00:08:50,690 --> 00:08:54,250 Speaker 2: for all these people. It would take half a month's 132 00:08:54,309 --> 00:08:57,320 Speaker 2: wages just to give them a single bite of bread each, 133 00:08:58,020 --> 00:08:58,920 Speaker 2: let alone fill them. 134 00:08:59,380 --> 00:09:01,120 Speaker 5: Go and see what you can find. 135 00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:02,380 Speaker 7: Who knows? 136 00:09:03,080 --> 00:09:04,860 Speaker 3: Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to us. 137 00:09:05,300 --> 00:09:08,380 Speaker 1: The men scattered throughout the sea of people, asking for 138 00:09:08,470 --> 00:09:12,610 Speaker 1: food to share. After scouring the crowd, they returned with 139 00:09:12,670 --> 00:09:15,709 Speaker 1: a boy no older than twelve. He had a small 140 00:09:15,770 --> 00:09:19,500 Speaker 1: pack strapped to his shoulder. Andrew brought him forward. 141 00:09:20,640 --> 00:09:23,700 Speaker 3: Jesus, this boy is the only one who brought food 142 00:09:23,740 --> 00:09:27,460 Speaker 3: for himself. He's a smart kid to bring food, smarter 143 00:09:27,480 --> 00:09:30,559 Speaker 3: than us at least. But it can't be enough to. 144 00:09:30,520 --> 00:09:31,460 Speaker 5: Feed all these people. 145 00:09:32,020 --> 00:09:34,429 Speaker 1: Jesus knelt and met the boy at eye level. 146 00:09:34,750 --> 00:09:36,790 Speaker 3: Young man, how much do you have? 147 00:09:37,250 --> 00:09:40,819 Speaker 1: The boy was kind but concerned. He opened his sack 148 00:09:40,880 --> 00:09:44,000 Speaker 1: to reveal a few loaves of bread and two fish. 149 00:09:44,580 --> 00:09:47,960 Speaker 5: Sir, I have five loaves of bread and two fish. 150 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:51,240 Speaker 3: It isn't much at all, but what I have is yours. 151 00:09:51,660 --> 00:09:54,069 Speaker 1: Jesus' face curled up in a playful smile. 152 00:09:54,470 --> 00:09:54,950 Speaker 7: Perfect. 153 00:09:55,370 --> 00:09:56,970 Speaker 5: That's more than enough. 154 00:09:57,390 --> 00:09:59,970 Speaker 1: The boy handed in the bag of bread and smoked fish. 155 00:10:01,190 --> 00:10:03,390 Speaker 1: Jesus gestured for his disciples to sit. 156 00:10:03,850 --> 00:10:04,610 Speaker 3: Sit, everyone. 157 00:10:04,710 --> 00:10:05,090 Speaker 5: Rest. 158 00:10:05,770 --> 00:10:08,820 Speaker 3: You're hungry and tired, I know. But I tell you, 159 00:10:09,510 --> 00:10:12,900 Speaker 3: there is more that fills a man than bread and water. 160 00:10:13,280 --> 00:10:16,280 Speaker 1: Jesus stood up and raised his voice to the bustling crowd. 161 00:10:16,679 --> 00:10:17,540 Speaker 3: Be still. 162 00:10:18,040 --> 00:10:22,000 Speaker 1: The water amplified his shouts. causing a hush across the multitude. 163 00:10:23,220 --> 00:10:27,930 Speaker 1: Everyone went still, like a choppy sea that suddenly turned 164 00:10:27,950 --> 00:10:33,010 Speaker 1: to glass. The people sat quietly on the sandy, grassy hill, waiting. 165 00:10:34,590 --> 00:10:38,270 Speaker 1: The little sunlight that was left shone bronze on his skin, 166 00:10:38,990 --> 00:10:42,610 Speaker 1: making his eyes gold and the sky purple and blue. 167 00:10:44,110 --> 00:10:48,670 Speaker 1: The stars hung low in the sky. Jesus raised his 168 00:10:48,730 --> 00:10:49,940 Speaker 1: chin to the heavens and. 169 00:10:49,880 --> 00:10:53,770 Speaker 7: Said, Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, 170 00:10:54,500 --> 00:10:58,439 Speaker 7: who brings forth bread from the earth. I thank you, Father, 171 00:10:59,080 --> 00:11:03,380 Speaker 7: for blessing us with life, for giving us abundantly more. 172 00:11:03,100 --> 00:11:04,980 Speaker 1: Than what we could ask. 173 00:11:05,540 --> 00:11:06,480 Speaker 3: Or even wish for. 174 00:11:06,980 --> 00:11:10,630 Speaker 1: Jesus tore the fresh bread slowly and handed it out 175 00:11:10,690 --> 00:11:14,569 Speaker 1: among them. They took it and tore and passed it 176 00:11:14,610 --> 00:11:18,730 Speaker 1: along and tore again and passed it along. But the 177 00:11:18,770 --> 00:11:24,380 Speaker 1: bread didn't run out. The yeast-filled smell of sourdough caught 178 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:29,720 Speaker 1: in the wind. The scent of steamy, fresh-baked bread. The 179 00:11:29,760 --> 00:11:34,590 Speaker 1: crowd kept passing along the bread, but the men watched confused. 180 00:11:35,660 --> 00:11:37,910 Speaker 1: They walked through the crowds trying to find where the 181 00:11:37,950 --> 00:11:41,650 Speaker 1: bread ran out, but everyone had more than enough. It 182 00:11:41,870 --> 00:11:44,070 Speaker 1: never ends, Philip's face fell. 183 00:11:44,590 --> 00:11:46,450 Speaker 5: But there were only five loaves. 184 00:11:47,050 --> 00:11:51,840 Speaker 1: The bread multiplied between them all. passing over hundreds and 185 00:11:51,920 --> 00:11:58,280 Speaker 1: thousands of people. Three thousand people with bread. Four thousand 186 00:11:58,340 --> 00:12:02,660 Speaker 1: people with bread. No, much more than five thousand men, 187 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:07,540 Speaker 1: plus women and children, eating their fill. And not just 188 00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:14,370 Speaker 1: a little, plenty, as Jesus' blessing had said. The content 189 00:12:14,470 --> 00:12:18,610 Speaker 1: hum of full bellies and hearty conversation filled the air. 190 00:12:19,250 --> 00:12:22,750 Speaker 1: intermixed with the scent of fresh bread and salted fish. 191 00:12:23,990 --> 00:12:27,520 Speaker 1: The disciples sat and ate as well, but they couldn't 192 00:12:27,580 --> 00:12:31,400 Speaker 1: tear their eyes from the crowds. They could hardly believe 193 00:12:31,420 --> 00:12:36,040 Speaker 1: the sight of it. Thousands of people eating from their 194 00:12:36,140 --> 00:12:40,640 Speaker 1: meager five loaves. Peter tore the bread in his hands 195 00:12:40,700 --> 00:12:43,800 Speaker 1: and passed it to a young girl beside him. Then 196 00:12:43,900 --> 00:12:46,760 Speaker 1: she took it. The bread was full and fluffy in 197 00:12:46,800 --> 00:12:51,040 Speaker 1: her palms. She smiled, thanked him, and ran to her 198 00:12:51,100 --> 00:12:56,449 Speaker 1: brother and mother. Thousands of them ate from just five loaves, 199 00:12:57,330 --> 00:13:00,330 Speaker 1: and the number of people on the hills extended further 200 00:13:00,390 --> 00:13:04,110 Speaker 1: than the men could see, with Jesus walking among them, 201 00:13:04,650 --> 00:13:08,910 Speaker 1: speaking to them, healing them with a touch or with 202 00:13:08,929 --> 00:13:14,040 Speaker 1: a word. Peter watched as everyone feasted, and when the 203 00:13:14,080 --> 00:13:17,439 Speaker 1: baskets were passed back toward them, they were full of 204 00:13:17,559 --> 00:13:20,970 Speaker 1: bread still and much more bread than they had had 205 00:13:21,010 --> 00:13:28,150 Speaker 1: when they had left. They had leftovers. Peter smiled at Philip. 206 00:13:28,809 --> 00:13:30,830 Speaker 2: How could he make something from nothing? 207 00:13:31,410 --> 00:13:35,229 Speaker 1: They both watched Jesus walking among the seated feasting families. 208 00:13:35,830 --> 00:13:38,010 Speaker 5: He actually is who he says he is. 209 00:13:38,470 --> 00:13:41,290 Speaker 1: Peter bit into the savory flesh of a smoked fish 210 00:13:41,870 --> 00:13:44,650 Speaker 1: and another bite into warm, yeast-filled bread. 211 00:13:46,650 --> 00:13:50,320 Speaker 6: Look at all these leftovers. This will feed us for days. 212 00:13:51,179 --> 00:13:53,540 Speaker 6: We won't even have to fish tomorrow if we don't 213 00:13:53,580 --> 00:13:56,900 Speaker 6: want to. If we didn't have him, we couldn't eat 214 00:13:56,920 --> 00:13:58,120 Speaker 6: this way if we tried. 215 00:13:58,660 --> 00:14:01,819 Speaker 1: The disciples all looked at each other in awe. They 216 00:14:01,900 --> 00:14:05,739 Speaker 1: watched Jesus laughing with some children. He tagged one of 217 00:14:05,780 --> 00:14:09,400 Speaker 1: them and ran up a small hill. Then he turned 218 00:14:09,440 --> 00:14:12,440 Speaker 1: to them, pretending to be a monster, chasing them as 219 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:18,579 Speaker 1: they laughed and shrieked excitedly. Somehow, Jesus could heal people 220 00:14:18,620 --> 00:14:23,200 Speaker 1: of leprosy, feed thousands of people, and play a game 221 00:14:23,300 --> 00:14:28,480 Speaker 1: of pretend, all within a few minutes. He was the 222 00:14:28,600 --> 00:14:33,380 Speaker 1: ultimate provider, the very one who once sent manna down 223 00:14:33,440 --> 00:14:37,859 Speaker 1: from heaven years ago to the people of Israel. He 224 00:14:38,520 --> 00:14:45,660 Speaker 1: was the bread of life, more satisfying than any earthly meal. However, 225 00:14:45,720 --> 00:14:49,360 Speaker 1: the moment of bliss turned in an instant. The people, 226 00:14:49,480 --> 00:14:52,380 Speaker 1: seeing that Jesus had just made food appear from air, 227 00:14:52,860 --> 00:14:58,120 Speaker 1: stood and cheered. Their cheering was delightful at first, but 228 00:14:58,220 --> 00:15:03,520 Speaker 1: quickly turned to tribal chanting. They had seen Jesus heal 229 00:15:03,560 --> 00:15:05,680 Speaker 1: the lame and give sight to the blind. 230 00:15:06,440 --> 00:15:10,020 Speaker 5: A prophet has come from heaven. He shall be made king. 231 00:15:10,660 --> 00:15:14,470 Speaker 5: Nobody will ever hunger again. Done with Caesar. 232 00:15:15,340 --> 00:15:18,160 Speaker 6: Let Jesus arise and give us bread. 233 00:15:18,640 --> 00:15:22,440 Speaker 1: The crowd chanted, growing more unruly by the second. They 234 00:15:22,540 --> 00:15:25,360 Speaker 1: stormed up the hill to grab hold of Jesus, to 235 00:15:25,480 --> 00:15:29,500 Speaker 1: make him king. Jesus knew that if he stayed one 236 00:15:29,660 --> 00:15:34,970 Speaker 1: minute longer, the crowd would overtake him by force. Jesus 237 00:15:35,020 --> 00:15:36,000 Speaker 1: grabbed his disciples. 238 00:15:36,450 --> 00:15:37,610 Speaker 3: To the water, quickly! 239 00:15:38,010 --> 00:15:41,290 Speaker 1: They descended the hill to the sand. Andrew untied the 240 00:15:41,330 --> 00:15:43,890 Speaker 1: boat while James and John hoisted the others aboard. 241 00:15:44,330 --> 00:15:46,690 Speaker 3: Get to the other side. I'm going to be alone 242 00:15:46,750 --> 00:15:47,390 Speaker 3: with my father. 243 00:15:47,910 --> 00:15:48,110 Speaker 4: What? 244 00:15:49,030 --> 00:15:53,070 Speaker 5: Jesus, no. Come with us. That crowd will bind you 245 00:15:53,110 --> 00:15:55,350 Speaker 5: and march you straight to Rome. Look at them. 246 00:15:55,910 --> 00:15:59,840 Speaker 3: Don't worry about me. You go. I must stay to pray. 247 00:16:00,720 --> 00:16:03,120 Speaker 7: There are many things I must discuss with my father. 248 00:16:04,120 --> 00:16:05,000 Speaker 3: I will see you soon. 249 00:16:05,480 --> 00:16:08,560 Speaker 5: Master, I can't have you alone like this. The crowd will. 250 00:16:09,160 --> 00:16:12,120 Speaker 3: Peter, you are afraid of so many things. 251 00:16:13,200 --> 00:16:14,100 Speaker 1: Have I not told you? 252 00:16:15,140 --> 00:16:15,820 Speaker 7: Be at peace. 253 00:16:16,380 --> 00:16:18,870 Speaker 1: Hearing his birth name, Peter relented. 254 00:16:19,380 --> 00:16:20,510 Speaker 5: How will we find you again? 255 00:16:21,330 --> 00:16:25,630 Speaker 1: I will find you. With those words, Jesus pushed the 256 00:16:25,650 --> 00:16:31,430 Speaker 1: boat out. The disciples began paddling away, watching Jesus march 257 00:16:31,620 --> 00:16:35,560 Speaker 1: up the shore, narrowly escaping the mob of people. 258 00:16:38,340 --> 00:16:41,040 Speaker 4: Shortly before the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, 259 00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:44,630 Speaker 4: Jesus is found in a contemplative and somber scene. mourning 260 00:16:44,670 --> 00:16:47,590 Speaker 4: the loss of his dear cousin John, who had boldly 261 00:16:47,750 --> 00:16:50,310 Speaker 4: made straight the path of the Messiah by proclaiming the 262 00:16:50,390 --> 00:16:53,600 Speaker 4: coming kingdom and heralding Jesus as the Lamb of God. 263 00:16:54,220 --> 00:16:56,420 Speaker 4: Though Jesus knew he would see John again and that 264 00:16:56,460 --> 00:16:58,400 Speaker 4: John had a purpose in his heart to live out 265 00:16:58,420 --> 00:17:01,180 Speaker 4: the calling to his dying breath, we are given a 266 00:17:01,280 --> 00:17:04,699 Speaker 4: sobering reminder that Jesus was completely human and felt the 267 00:17:04,720 --> 00:17:07,979 Speaker 4: same emotions we feel when losing a loved one. But 268 00:17:08,020 --> 00:17:10,880 Speaker 4: this wasn't going to derail him from what he knew 269 00:17:10,960 --> 00:17:13,740 Speaker 4: he needed to do. to continue to press according to 270 00:17:13,760 --> 00:17:17,140 Speaker 4: the Father's will. Though the world would give Jesus reasons 271 00:17:17,180 --> 00:17:20,060 Speaker 4: to abandon his mission, nothing would be strong enough to 272 00:17:20,119 --> 00:17:23,760 Speaker 4: change the Lord's heart of compassion. Nothing would cause him 273 00:17:24,040 --> 00:17:26,100 Speaker 4: to cease from looking at the people of the world 274 00:17:26,180 --> 00:17:28,860 Speaker 4: as sheep without a shepherd. He had come to seek 275 00:17:28,920 --> 00:17:31,880 Speaker 4: and save the lost. Though many would come to revile 276 00:17:31,940 --> 00:17:34,890 Speaker 4: and persecute him, his eyes were set on the ones 277 00:17:34,930 --> 00:17:37,590 Speaker 4: who needed him most, the ones who would receive him 278 00:17:37,950 --> 00:17:40,659 Speaker 4: as their Savior. It's moving to know that there is 279 00:17:40,770 --> 00:17:43,729 Speaker 4: nothing that could ever change Jesus' heart of compassion for 280 00:17:43,770 --> 00:17:47,030 Speaker 4: his creation. Even in our most severe acts of rebellion, 281 00:17:47,109 --> 00:17:50,250 Speaker 4: God's grace is sufficient to cover our sins. He has 282 00:17:50,290 --> 00:17:52,770 Speaker 4: not and will not turn from those who have been. 283 00:17:52,650 --> 00:17:53,470 Speaker 1: Made in his image. 284 00:17:54,170 --> 00:17:56,530 Speaker 4: So, Jesus begins to heal the crowds who have come 285 00:17:56,550 --> 00:17:58,930 Speaker 4: to him. But as the day goes on, it's clear 286 00:17:58,970 --> 00:18:01,430 Speaker 4: that the numbers are too great and that something would 287 00:18:01,490 --> 00:18:03,550 Speaker 4: need to be done to feed the people before the 288 00:18:03,590 --> 00:18:06,710 Speaker 4: sun goes down. As the disciples ask Jesus what to do, 289 00:18:07,210 --> 00:18:09,910 Speaker 4: he turns it into a learning moment for them. Though 290 00:18:09,950 --> 00:18:12,810 Speaker 4: they spent hours each day walking and talking with Jesus, 291 00:18:13,190 --> 00:18:15,730 Speaker 4: hearing him preach about the kingdom of God and performing 292 00:18:15,810 --> 00:18:18,689 Speaker 4: miracles like no other, they still had a lot to 293 00:18:18,750 --> 00:18:22,970 Speaker 4: learn about him. Jesus wasn't upset at their questions or confusion. Rather, 294 00:18:23,340 --> 00:18:25,919 Speaker 4: he saw it as an affirmation of their desire to grow. 295 00:18:26,560 --> 00:18:29,060 Speaker 4: They didn't want to think or act like other men anymore. 296 00:18:29,560 --> 00:18:32,100 Speaker 4: They wanted to be like Jesus. And as they faced 297 00:18:32,140 --> 00:18:35,359 Speaker 4: these problems, they were learning how to respond. 298 00:18:34,840 --> 00:18:36,720 Speaker 1: To issues as Jesus would. 299 00:18:37,460 --> 00:18:39,720 Speaker 4: In the same way, we always have more to learn 300 00:18:39,760 --> 00:18:44,080 Speaker 4: about God. The moment your faith fizzles out and dies 301 00:18:44,520 --> 00:18:48,919 Speaker 4: is the moment you stop learning more about God. There 302 00:18:48,940 --> 00:18:51,220 Speaker 4: is never going to be a moment where you fully 303 00:18:51,300 --> 00:18:55,400 Speaker 4: grasp His character, His plans, and His word. Learning leads 304 00:18:55,440 --> 00:18:58,990 Speaker 4: to greater faith, and greater faith leads to more effective ministry. 305 00:18:59,530 --> 00:19:01,810 Speaker 4: We should never hit a point as followers of Jesus 306 00:19:01,869 --> 00:19:04,510 Speaker 4: where we feel like we retained all the knowledge that 307 00:19:04,550 --> 00:19:07,480 Speaker 4: we can about God. Our God is magnificent and will 308 00:19:07,520 --> 00:19:10,139 Speaker 4: be peeling back the layers of who he is for 309 00:19:10,300 --> 00:19:14,119 Speaker 4: all of eternity. So press into the learning process as disciples. 310 00:19:14,740 --> 00:19:17,400 Speaker 4: Never think for a moment you know exactly what he's 311 00:19:17,520 --> 00:19:21,750 Speaker 4: up to. Rather, with humility, ask questions, be curious, and 312 00:19:21,810 --> 00:19:24,590 Speaker 4: be in awe when he surprises you. Don't cross your 313 00:19:24,730 --> 00:19:26,890 Speaker 4: arms and pretend like you knew what he was doing 314 00:19:26,990 --> 00:19:30,800 Speaker 4: all along. Allow yourself to be suspended in mystery and 315 00:19:30,820 --> 00:19:34,540 Speaker 4: then press in to inquire more about what God is doing. 316 00:19:35,030 --> 00:19:37,590 Speaker 4: Take the time to bring your questions to him. People 317 00:19:37,630 --> 00:19:40,190 Speaker 4: who ask questions are not further behind in their faith. 318 00:19:40,270 --> 00:19:43,550 Speaker 4: In fact, they're much further ahead. You may have a 319 00:19:43,590 --> 00:19:47,109 Speaker 4: wealth of theological knowledge, but the second you stop asking questions, 320 00:19:47,230 --> 00:19:50,720 Speaker 4: as foolish as those questions might seem in the moment, man, 321 00:19:51,140 --> 00:19:54,320 Speaker 4: you are going to stop progressing in your faith. Learning 322 00:19:54,359 --> 00:19:58,460 Speaker 4: from Jesus requires time and patience and questions. And this 323 00:19:58,520 --> 00:20:01,179 Speaker 4: event teaches us to be open to the new possibilities. 324 00:20:01,590 --> 00:20:04,090 Speaker 4: God is going to surprise us time and time again. 325 00:20:04,390 --> 00:20:06,609 Speaker 4: No matter how well you think you know him, he 326 00:20:06,670 --> 00:20:10,619 Speaker 4: is capable of surprising you. And just as importantly, we 327 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:13,560 Speaker 4: should be humble, never assuming we know the answer apart 328 00:20:13,580 --> 00:20:16,899 Speaker 4: from God. Rather than giving the disciples the answer at first, 329 00:20:17,200 --> 00:20:19,359 Speaker 4: he wants to show them the pattern of thinking that 330 00:20:19,400 --> 00:20:22,140 Speaker 4: we should have when trusting in God. He sends them 331 00:20:22,220 --> 00:20:24,440 Speaker 4: out to gather the food that they can. In an 332 00:20:24,540 --> 00:20:27,540 Speaker 4: unfortunate conclusion to the disciples, all they can find is 333 00:20:27,580 --> 00:20:30,199 Speaker 4: a young boy with five barley loaves of bread and 334 00:20:30,260 --> 00:20:33,369 Speaker 4: two smoked fish. It's at this point that the disciples 335 00:20:33,470 --> 00:20:36,390 Speaker 4: are going to learn another lesson, not just from Jesus, 336 00:20:36,650 --> 00:20:39,600 Speaker 4: but from this boy. who willingly gives up his lunch, 337 00:20:40,020 --> 00:20:42,220 Speaker 4: knowing that it wouldn't be enough to feed the crowds, 338 00:20:42,440 --> 00:20:45,460 Speaker 4: let alone the disciples and their rabbi. But this boy 339 00:20:45,520 --> 00:20:48,280 Speaker 4: shows us incredible faith, the faith of offering up what 340 00:20:48,320 --> 00:20:50,770 Speaker 4: little we have, knowing that little things in the hands 341 00:20:50,810 --> 00:20:55,110 Speaker 4: of a big God can accomplish greatness. We may not 342 00:20:55,230 --> 00:20:57,490 Speaker 4: feel like we have much to offer God, but in 343 00:20:57,550 --> 00:21:02,170 Speaker 4: quoting Hosea, Jesus reminds us that God desires mercy over sacrifice. 344 00:21:02,690 --> 00:21:04,449 Speaker 4: His point is that God is more focused on the 345 00:21:04,490 --> 00:21:06,909 Speaker 4: place in our hearts from which we give more than 346 00:21:06,950 --> 00:21:10,340 Speaker 4: he's concerned with what we give. Some have been given 347 00:21:10,460 --> 00:21:12,760 Speaker 4: much and will be able to give much. Others have 348 00:21:12,800 --> 00:21:14,760 Speaker 4: been given little and will be able to give little. 349 00:21:15,200 --> 00:21:17,379 Speaker 4: But to each one, the heart of the offering can 350 00:21:17,420 --> 00:21:21,220 Speaker 4: be the same. Both are pleasing to God. Whether it 351 00:21:21,260 --> 00:21:24,770 Speaker 4: was a rich merchant giving thousands of loaves and thousands 352 00:21:24,810 --> 00:21:27,909 Speaker 4: of fishes, or one child giving a few loaves and 353 00:21:27,930 --> 00:21:30,570 Speaker 4: a few fishes, the heart can be the same for God. 354 00:21:30,890 --> 00:21:34,710 Speaker 4: The generous heart, the willing heart, the faithful heart. This 355 00:21:34,770 --> 00:21:38,510 Speaker 4: is the lesson Jesus teaches the disciples. Whatever we have 356 00:21:38,530 --> 00:21:39,570 Speaker 4: to give, we should give. 357 00:21:39,490 --> 00:21:40,150 Speaker 5: It with gladness. 358 00:21:40,609 --> 00:21:42,880 Speaker 4: When we recognize that all good things come from God, 359 00:21:42,910 --> 00:21:44,940 Speaker 4: it makes it easier to see it as simply giving 360 00:21:44,980 --> 00:21:47,920 Speaker 4: back to him what's rightfully his. And if we're willing 361 00:21:47,960 --> 00:21:49,680 Speaker 4: to do this for him, we can trust that he'll 362 00:21:49,720 --> 00:21:52,280 Speaker 4: take care of us as his children. Similar to the 363 00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:54,800 Speaker 4: miracle performed in Cana when he turned water into wine, 364 00:21:54,859 --> 00:21:57,679 Speaker 4: Jesus allows his disciples to have a hand in this miracle. 365 00:21:58,280 --> 00:22:01,399 Speaker 4: Rather than having bread and fish miraculously fill the bags 366 00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:04,520 Speaker 4: or fall from the sky, Jesus sends out the disciples 367 00:22:04,540 --> 00:22:06,959 Speaker 4: to pass out food. In doing so, he allowed them 368 00:22:07,020 --> 00:22:08,740 Speaker 4: to be a part of the miracle to witness the 369 00:22:08,760 --> 00:22:11,770 Speaker 4: work of God unfold in real time. If we take 370 00:22:11,810 --> 00:22:14,210 Speaker 4: a step back, we see that everyone had a part 371 00:22:14,250 --> 00:22:16,630 Speaker 4: to play in this miracle. The young boy was used 372 00:22:16,670 --> 00:22:19,590 Speaker 4: to show how God calls us to generosity. The disciples 373 00:22:19,630 --> 00:22:22,090 Speaker 4: were used to demonstrate the faith we must take when 374 00:22:22,130 --> 00:22:24,600 Speaker 4: God sends us out to care for others. And of course, 375 00:22:25,020 --> 00:22:27,760 Speaker 4: Jesus stands as a reminder that none of it would 376 00:22:27,780 --> 00:22:30,660 Speaker 4: have been possible apart from the power of God. Remember 377 00:22:30,700 --> 00:22:32,500 Speaker 4: that God has a purpose for you. There's a part 378 00:22:32,520 --> 00:22:34,859 Speaker 4: he wants you to play in his plan. Give him 379 00:22:34,900 --> 00:22:38,060 Speaker 4: your heart, trust his guidance, and watch as he feeds 380 00:22:38,119 --> 00:22:39,640 Speaker 4: this world with the bread of life.