- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,432
Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, There is a little boy here, who has [with him] five barley loaves, and two small fish; but what are they among so many people? John 6:8-9 AMPC
In Johns’ Gospel we find fewer stories and many more lengthy teachings by Jesus. Yet the average guy remembers more of Johns’ stories over against Luke’s, Mark’s, and Matthew’s. What’s more, they typically have memorized some of his teaching verses as well (John 3:16 is the first!). So don’t neglect the value of the teaching chapters!
In the context of such rich, powerful teachings are miracle stories. They prove to be the most vivid, moving, and memorable portions of John’s Gospel. He calls seven of them “signs.”
Why “signs”? Because John clearly wants to demonstrate who Jesus is—the Word of God, the Lamb of God, the very Son of God, the “I Am,” the Savior of the world, and more.
In the middle of the seven “signs,” Jesus feeds five thousand men plus women and children. Perhaps because he is writing to “whosoever” of all ages, John talks about one particular child. The lesson: If you sacrifice what you have, the Lord will multiply it greatly!
Prayer: Omniscient Lord, I sometimes ask myself, How can what I give possibly make a difference? At such times, remind me of one small boy’s fish and chips.
In Johns’ Gospel we find fewer stories and many more lengthy teachings by Jesus. Yet the average guy remembers more of Johns’ stories over against Luke’s, Mark’s, and Matthew’s. What’s more, they typically have memorized some of his teaching verses as well (John 3:16 is the first!). So don’t neglect the value of the teaching chapters!
In the context of such rich, powerful teachings are miracle stories. They prove to be the most vivid, moving, and memorable portions of John’s Gospel. He calls seven of them “signs.”
Why “signs”? Because John clearly wants to demonstrate who Jesus is—the Word of God, the Lamb of God, the very Son of God, the “I Am,” the Savior of the world, and more.
In the middle of the seven “signs,” Jesus feeds five thousand men plus women and children. Perhaps because he is writing to “whosoever” of all ages, John talks about one particular child. The lesson: If you sacrifice what you have, the Lord will multiply it greatly!
Prayer: Omniscient Lord, I sometimes ask myself, How can what I give possibly make a difference? At such times, remind me of one small boy’s fish and chips.
