The Test

The Test

John 6:1-6, NLT

After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 2A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. 3Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. 4(It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) 5Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.

Setting the Scene

Jesus didn’t seem to be bothered about the pressure of the crowd (Luke 9:11 says, “He welcomed them”), his workload, and the hours consumed by teaching and healing. The disciples asked Jesus to stop, to send the crowds away (Luke 9:12). They may have been genuinely concerned for the people—at least that’s what they expressed. On the other hand, they may have been tired, wanting to resume their close fellowship with just Jesus. Still, they did not see the crowd as Jesus did.

Philip would have known where to get food, if anyone had, because he was from Bethsaida (John 1:44), a town about nine miles away. Jesus was testing Philip to strengthen his faith. By asking for a human solution (knowing that there was none), Jesus highlighted the powerful and miraculous act he was about to perform.

As in other tests, God allowed the test to occur, not expecting failure, but placing the person in a situation in which his or her faith might grow stronger. Jesus did not want Philip and the others to miss what he was about to do.

So Jesus tested them. Jesus knew the people were hungry; he knew the disciples’ resources were scarce and that they were far from any places for buying bread, even if they had the money. Did Philip and the others believe Jesus could actually feed all these people? Did they believe he could solve this problem? Or did they believe only in what they could see and touch—the physical realities of their situation? After administering the test, Jesus gave the answers.

Getting Personal

When have you felt overwhelmed by the apparent needs around you? Which, if any, were you yourself able to meet?

In what ways was Jesus’ question about the bread a test for Philip and the other disciples?

We can limit what God does in us by assuming what is and what is not possible. Remember who Jesus is, his power and resources.

Talking to God

Ask the Lord to help you trust him with every area of your life, even with relationships, tasks, or problems that seem impossible.