Feeding of 5000
Bible Text: Luke 9:10-17 | Preacher: Andrew Love | Series: Luke’s Gospel | 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