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We move right on to John Chapter 6 where we read, “Some time after this” – some time after what – after the healing of the man who had been paralysed for 38 years – after this first head to head confrontation with the hard cold legalistic Jews, where they hear Jesus Christ speak about judgment – and where they hear about the anointed Messiah the Son of God speak about heaven and hell.

We do not hear very much about the judgment of God in these days. I wonder why? Do not miss what Jesus says in Chapter 5 regarding those who have done good and those who have done evil both being resurrected for judgment. It is quite astonishing that huge parts of the “church” are so silent on this, and this is why going through a book is so vitally important.

The preacher or teacher cannot omit or dodge central issues and such a method of preaching and teaching also keeps him away from his pet of favourite topics. We are encouraged to proclaim the whole counsel of God.

I am so glad that I was introduced to this method of expository preaching and teaching over forty years ago. I remember when we came up north, after I had been four or weeks in the Gospel of Luke one committed man, with a very Highland background came up to me and asked, “Is that going to be your normal and usual method of preaching?” When I answered, “Yes” his immediate reply was, “Well, you will never run out of resource material!”

We return to John Chapter 6.

After this significant episode, Jesus left Jerusalem, moving north, to the Sea of Galilee, and a great crowd of people followed Him, because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. The news had got around again that the One Who performs miracles is back. Yes, the water into wine man has returned again.

Thousands of people began to walk around the north end of the Lake of Galilee to the place where Jesus was with His disciples.

Jesus looked up and saw the people. He knew they had travelled far. He knew they were tired, and hungry.

Jesus asks Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Jesus was testing Philip. Jesus already knew what He was going to do. Jesus is concerned about the people. Jesus is always concerned about people. He cares.

Philip’s calculating pessimism is expressed. Six or eight months wages would not buy enough bread for this vast number of people.

Jesus has pessimists around then, like so many around some of us today.

Jesus, we can’t do it. Jesus, we can’t do that. Jesus, it can’t be done. Jesus, it’s impossible. At that point their only possible thought was ‘money’.

Andrew speaks up. “Lord, there’s a boy here with five small rolls and two small fish, but that is not very much among so many people. It’s his own piece. It’s his packed-lunch. This suggestion sounds more absurd than not having enough money to buy bread.

Verse 10. Make the people sit down. There were around 5,000 men, plus women and children. We do not know what the exact number was, but what we do know is that Jesus made the people sit down and sometimes we too have to say that to people.

“Now, sit down. Take is easy. Do not panic. Trust Almighty God. Look to the risen Christ.

If the people would not sit down they would not be fed. If the people were unwilling to sit they would not be satisfied.

Are there not profound spiritual lessons in this single command of Jesus?

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - March 10-14