John Chapter 6

Where should we buy bread for these people to eat? A test. Do we think from carnal minds, earthly mindsets? Or do we believe in the supernatural abilities, creative power of God? Can the Father not accomplish the impossible with ease?

Even the disciples, after witnessing miracle after miracle, were still thinking from an earthly (restrictive) perspective. What’s impossible for man, is possible for God. If God be for you, who could be against you or restrict you?

Multiplying blessings is something Abba Daddy loves to do, especially when the requests, lines up with His plan and purpose. There was about 5,000 men when Jesus multiplied the bread and fish for the masses. ( side note: At the time of Jesus there were about 5000 Essenes scattered in the area, all waiting on the promised Messiah, the righteous teacher. If Jesus had a connection to the Essenes, as my research has suggested, his big following quickly developed and multiplied. )

Before we ask for our blessings to be multiplied, we must like him give thanks first. If you hate leftovers, you better change that mindset. Jesus himself says that ” Let nothing be wasted.” They gathered up all the left overs, 12 baskets of loaves.

In Hebrew twelve represents totality, wholeness, completion of God’s purpose and governmental perfection. The number 12 also represents God’s power and authority. It interesting that there were 12 baskets of loaves left over, because in the physical tabernacle, there were 12 loaves of showbread- unleavened bread. This bread has been thought to be a reminder that God is a generous giver, abundantly blessing us. Our cup really does run over, we need to be sure to thank him for all the surplus. We all have far too much. We need to be sure to share to glean in a modern day way, sharing our excess with the poor or struggling.

( Other examples of 12 in bible: There are 12 tribes of Israel, 12 disciples, Revelations speaks of 12 gates, twelve angels. The first words of Jesus were at 12 years old in Luke 2: 42-49. )

It really bugged me to see that these people who had received miracles were becoming so dogmatic that they were going to try to force Jesus to become king. This pressure caused him to have to retreat off by himself. We cannot alter God’s plans or purposes, or press our ideas or agendas on people, organizations and especially not YHWH. We need to be careful not to be too forceful, we must allow the Holy Spirit to gently lead people. Jesus will eventually be King, but everything is in the Father’s timing not ours.

So Jesus is off recharging and the disciples were on a rough boat crossing the lake for Capernaum. In the dark, they saw Jesus walking on water and they were terrified. Again they were still not fully grasping the divine nature of Jesus. He assured them to not be afraid as he entered the boat.

The big crowds began to search for Jesus, probably because their physical needs were met previously. But Jesus was quick to tell them it is far more important that they fill up on spiritual food, the teachings of Jesus, the real bread of life. Jesus is the true bread of heaven, the heavenly manna, that gives them words to live by. Everyone that obeys the Son of God and believes Father sent him, will have eternal life.

God knows our hearts. The Father is the one that draws someone to Jesus or not. Just as Jesus lost disciples during his ministry, many half-hearted believers and backsliders will fade away too.

Peter confirmed that Jesus had the words to eternal life. We need to digest his words and know that his blood covers our sin. He is the final sacrifice, the final lamb. If we eat and drink all that he offers, we will experience a fullness like no other.