March 1, 2020

Feeding of 5000

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Luke 9:10-17
Service Type:

Introduction

  • St. David's Day
    • We celebrate Welsh-ness
    • Why St. David?
  • St. David
    • A monk, preacher and a teacher
    • There are many myths about him
    • Superstitious beliefs may make us suspicious
  • Jesus
    • We can be absolutely sure that all is said of Him is true
    • The miracle of the Feeding of the 5000 - fact
      • Recorded in all four gospels - we should take note
  • Miracles
    • Defy the natural order - something supernatural
    • Cannot be explained according to scientific law
    • Jesus divides the bread and it keeps multiplying
    • Do you believe this?
  • Overview
    • The purpose of miracles
    • This miracle
    • The significance for us today

The purpose of miracles

  • Personal example
    • Not a miracle but an answer to prayer
    • God's providence
  • Miracles
    • The suspension of natural order - something Divine and of God
    • Are not as common as you might think
    • They come at certain times and for certain reasons
      • A lot at the time of Moses - a special time of revelation, authenticating His messenger and word
      • A lot at the time of Elijah and Elisha - the time of the Prophets
      • A lot at the time of John the Baptist and Jesus - Jesus Christ, the final revelation of God
    • People were talking about Jesus and saw He had a power that no-one else had
  • Acts of power and compassion, but also authenticating God's word

This miracle

  • It teaches us specific truth about Jesus Christ
  • Background to the miracle
    • Jesus wants to take the apostles aside in solitude
    • But many get into boats to join them - at least 5'000 men besides women and children
      • If you have had news of a death, you don't want to see lots of people, but ...
    • Jesus welcomed the people
      • Do we have compassion on those around us?
      • Even though they were coming for the wrong reasons
      • He taught them, He healed them, He loved them
    • Are we satisfied in God or do we have emptiness and a troubled soul?
  • A need - v12
    • The disciples see the need and think they know the best course of action
      • They just wanted the crowds to go away
      • They are a bit audacious telling Jesus how to act
      • Do we seek our own way or do we trust God?
    • Jesus tests His disciples
      • An impossible task - humanly speaking
      • He wants them to be involved in the solution
        • Andrew does find 5 small loaves and 2 small fish
    • Jesus works a glorious miracle
      • 12 full baskets gathered up afterwards
      • Are we prepared to trust God with the little that we have?
      • The apostles trusted in the great work of Jesus Christ

The significance for us today

  • Jesus
    • Far greater than Elijah
      • Example of miracles
      • He is from heaven
    • Far greater than Moses
      • cf. Deut 18:15
      • Parallels between them
    • Far greater than David
      • A picture of the Shepherd King
      • cf. Psalm 23
  • Jesus truly is the bread of life
    • John 6:35
      • Have you come to Christ?
      • Have you believed in Him?
    • John 6:49-51
      • The Communion Table
      • The pharisees could not stand His message
      • Many turned away - John 6:66
      • We must receive Jesus Christ
  • Have you come to Christ?
    • Have you turned your back upon sin?
    • Is He your Lord?
    • Have you surrendered yourself to Him?

Closing Remarks

  • Do you believe this miracle?

    • Example of the amazing universe
    • Example of the amazing human body
  • The fool has said in his heart there is no God
    • There will be a day of judgment
    • If you seek God with all your heart, you will find Him
  • Seek the Lord Jesus Christ and find Him
    • Miracles will not save
    • Trust in Jesus Christ
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