Jesus worked many miracles while He was on this earth. But, He also enabled others to do so.
Luke 9:1-6- Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
The disciples were sent out by Jesus to heal, to preach, and to help others. They went out with only what they had on them. Everywhere they went, they were to find someone who was willing to receive them and they would stay and eat with that person. They weren't to bother with finding food or jobs for money- their one job was to preach and heal.
The disciples obeyed Jesus and found that others were willing to help them with their own needs when the disciples took care of their problems.
We have people today who obey Jesus like this. We call them pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. They go about telling others about Jesus and trying to win souls from a devil's hell.
The men who obey this calling today don't have the special abilities that Jesus gave the disciples- healing. That was only given to certain Jews during Jesus' time on earth, and shorty thereafter.
Luke 9:10- And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
Jesus often tried to go somewhere quiet and peaceful where it could just be himself and the Lord God Almighty. He knew how important time alone in prayer was. But, it was rare that He ever got alone time.
Luke 9:11-12- And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
Jesus couldn't help but have compassion on those who were trying to seek Him. He left His time of solitude and spent the day healing and teaching them.
When dusk was close to settling on the horizon, the disciples told Jesus that He needed to send the people away to eat somewhere. They described the location they were in as a desert.
Matthew 14:16- But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat .
John 6:5-7- When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
Jesus didn't want to send the people away hungry. He asked Philip where they could buy bread.
Philip used to be a tax collector. He was very good with Math and as he sat there calculating, He told the Lord that a certain amount of money wouldn't be enough to buy bread.
Perhaps he chose this amount because that's how much they had. But, Christ had asked Philip for a reason. You see, Judas Iscariot was the one who kept the money for the group.
Christ was going to show Philip that He could use anything, even the smallest amount to provide.
John 6:8-9- One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
Another disciples said that there was a young boy who had a few small bread rolls and a couple of small fish. This little boy understood what the disciples didn't- Jesus could do great things if only we would offer Him what we had.
John 6:10a- And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place.
Jesus was going to work a miracle with that young man's lunch! He told the disciples to make the people sit down on the grass.
Remember the disciples calling it a desert place? Well, it wasn't a dry, sandy desert like you were thinking. It had grass. It was more hospitable than the disciples were being!
John 6:11- And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
Jesus took that small lunch and thanked God for it. Then He slowly broke off pieces and handed them to His disciples to pass out. Each time He pulled another piece off the disciples were amazed! It just kept coming!
After a while, the disciples and everyone else had eaten all they could, and there were left-overs!
John 6:12-13- When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Jesus doesn't waste things. He told the disciples to gather up what was left, and it filled 12 baskets! Those small dinner rolls not only fed everyone, but filled up a bunch of baskets afterwards.
Do you suppose Jesus let that little boy take the left-overs? Maybe.
Jesus was trying to show His disciples that He could take care of them and their needs with only a little bit, if they would only learn the lesson!
Matthew 14:21- And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
So, there were 5,000 men. And, who knows how many women and children! They liked that Jesus could fill their bellies.
John 6:14-15- Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
As the man watched the disciples gather the fragments into the baskets, they began to make plans. If they made Jesus their king they'd never go hungry again! They were going to force Him to take the position.
But, Jesus wasn't here to rule as king- not yet. And, so He told the disciples to head over to His next meeting place. Sent the crowds home, and slowly slipped away to finish His prayer time with the Lord God Almighty.
Matthew 14:22-24- And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
Mark 6:47-50a- And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled.
It was about the fourth watch- that meant that it was close to the sunrise. This is very significant. You see, it will be during the fourth watch of the church age that Jesus will call His saved away. We call this the rapture.
The disciples saw a man walking on the water, like he was going to walk straight to the other side, and they were scared! They thought perhaps this was a ghost, and they cried out in fear.
Matthew 14:27-29- But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Jesus calmed the men down and told them that it was He who was on the water.
Peter decided to see if it were truly Him, and asked if He could walk out on the water to meet Jesus. Jesus told Peter to come ahead.
I can just imagine Peter putting one foot over the side of the boat. Cautiously placing it on the water to see if his foot got wet. But, it didn't! It was almost like he was stepping onto another part of the boat.
Looking at Jesus, he sat on the edge of the boat and put his other foot down. As he carefully stood up on the raging sea, it was like he was standing on a moving floor. He looked at Jesus as he started to walk towards Him.
Matthew 14:30-31- But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Peter was doing great until he started to look around himself. The wind was blowing wildly, and the peaks of the waves were so high and moving so fast. As his focus left Jesus, his heart filled with doubt.
And, with fear and doubt inside, he began to go under the water.
He cried out for Jesus to help him. And, before he was all the under, Jesus was there. He picked Peter up and asked him why he doubted. Did he really think that Jesus would let him drown?
Mark 6:51-52- And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
Why do you suppose their hearts were hardened? We don't really know.
John 6:21- Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
Matthew 14:33- Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Others that were on the boat came and worshiped Jesus. They realized that only the son of God could do that!
Matthew 14:34-35- And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
Jesus was back in the place where he had healed those possessed with Legion- the devils. They had told so many people about Him that when they realized Jesus was back, they started bringing all the people who were sick to Him so He could heal them.
Mark 6:56- And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
Jesus just went about his ministry as usual.
But, remember those men who were plotting to make Jesus their king? They came to find Him.
John 6:22-24- The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
These men were determined to crown Him king! They searched until they found Him.
John 6:25-26- And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Jesus knew what was in their mind. He knew what they were planning. He told them that they needed to seek Spiritual bread and not just look to fill their bellies. But, they didn't care to understand.
John 6:28-31- Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
They pretended to want to know God's will, but really they just wanted another free meal.
John 6:35,40- And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Jesus tried again to tell them that He was their Messiah. He wasn't there to fill their bellies, but to take care of the payment for their sins. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:41-42- The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
When Jesus didn't give them free food again, they turned on Him. They said that they knew His family and His heritage. They knew where He was from and who His parents were.
John 6:61-64, 66-70- When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Jesus had more than 12 disciples that followed Him; though, there were only 12 that He specifically chose. Some of those other disciples left after listening to this message.
Jesus turned to Peter, one of the men that He chose, and asked Peter if He would leave, too.
Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. He said He wasn't going anywhere!
Jesus said that He chose only 12 of them to be His personal disciples. And He knew who would betray Him, because He knew that there was something about one of them that made Him a devil.
Matthew 15:29-31- And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.
Jesus went out into a mountain and there came many to Him that were needy. He spent time healing and helping them. He spent 3 whole days ministering to them.
Mark 8:1-3- In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
Jesus knew that there were those present that hadn't eaten in three days. He didn't want them getting hurt on the way home because of this.
Mark 8:4- And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
They just didn't learn! They had already seen Jesus feed a large amount of people with a boy's lunch. Didn't they realize that He could do that again?
Matthew 15:34-35- And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
Jesus asked what they did have. And one of the disciples said they had seven loaves and a few fish. That was more than last time!
Mark 8:6-8- And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
Again, Jesus thanked God for the food, broke it into pieces and gave it to His disciples to pass out, and fed everyone. Again, they had left-overs to gather up.
This time there were seven baskets of remaining food.
Perhaps God was telling them that He could take care of them every day of the week?
How could they not understand?
Mark 8:9-10- And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away. And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.
Mark 8:11-13- And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
The moment Jesus stepped off the ship He was confronted by the Pharisees who wanted a sign. Always with wanting a sign!
Jesus sighed. He wasn't going to give them anymore signs. He turned around and got back on the boat and left.
Mark 8:15-17- And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread. And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
Jesus was thinking about the destructive effects of the things the religious leaders and Romans taught. He was trying to warn His disciples not to get tangles up in those things.
But, the disciples thought He meant literal bread. They just couldn't understand. He fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fish. He fed 4,000 men with 7 loaves and a few fish. He could easily satisfy their hunger. It was their lives that He was talking about.
Many times today we get looking at our circumstances and we forget all the blessings that God has already given to us. And, we shouldn't get tangled up in the cares of this world, or listen to false preachers. We need to remember Jesus words and follow His direction, and let Him provide for us- light for our path, provisions for our needs, and guidance in which direction we should move.
