Give Ye Them to Eat
The feeding of the five thousand is a pivotal miracle that taught the disciples about the Communion and revealed the sovereignty of God in the Gospels.
G.W. North emphasizes the unique presentation of Jesus in the Gospels, particularly noting how John focuses on the essence of Christ rather than a chronological account of His life. He highlights the significance of the miracle of feeding the five thousand, which is uniquely emphasized across all four Gospels, suggesting it holds a profound lesson about Communion. North argues that this miracle is pivotal as it not only showcases Jesus' power but also serves as a foundation for revolutionary teachings that challenged the beliefs of many followers. The prominence of this miracle indicates God's sovereignty in the selection of events that shape our understanding of Jesus' ministry. Ultimately, it reveals the depth of spiritual truth that can be gleaned from seemingly simple acts of provision.
Text
Here let us pause to note one of the most remarkable features of the four Gospels, namely the manner in which the synoptists differ from John in their presentation of the Lord. In one way or another, the first three writers cover the whole life-span and activities of the Lord, but not so John. Differing from them he leaves un-mentioned the bulk of historic facts which they record, and presents the soul of Jesus. Among many other things, John is very selective about the number of miracles he records. He chooses to omit the majority of those mentioned by his fellow-writers, but includes some the others do not record.
Unusual as we see this to be, in it we observe the absolute sovereignty of God, for He caused all four of them to give space to one particular miracle, namely the feeding of the five thousand. This is the more remarkable for the fact that we may not have thought it important enough to warrant such repetition.
Strange as it may seem, this may quite easily be the most important miracle that the Lord Jesus ever performed; certainly to no other is so much prominence given. We may ask then why it is that when others appear to be of more importance, this miracle should be the one to which attention is so repeatedly drawn. The reason for its prominence may well be this -- by it the Lord taught His disciples one of the greatest lessons connected with the (as yet unknown) Communion.
John, in his sixth chapter, recounts how calculatedly the Lord conducted the whole episode. First He performed the miracle, then He proceeded to use it as a text for the exposition of such unique and revolutionary teaching that many of His followers left Him -- they were angered and shocked by it all. He had outraged their sense of decency, and challenged their credulity and negated cherished beliefs.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to the Miracles of Jesus
- A. The four Gospels and their differences in presentation
- B. The selective nature of John's account
- C. The importance of the feeding of the five thousand
- II. The Feeding of the Five Thousand
- A. The Lord's teaching on the Communion
- B. The reaction of the disciples and followers
- C. The significance of this miracle
- III. Conclusion
- A. The sovereignty of God in the Gospels
- B. The importance of this miracle in the Bible
Key Quotes
“This is the more remarkable for the fact that we may not have thought it important enough to warrant such repetition.” — G.W. North
“He had outraged their sense of decency, and challenged their credulity and negated cherished beliefs.” — G.W. North
Application Points
- We should be open to learning new and challenging truths from God's Word, even if they contradict our cherished beliefs.
- The sovereignty of God is evident in the way He chooses to reveal Himself and His will to us.
- The Communion is a profound mystery that requires faith and trust in God's goodness and provision.