READ John 6:1-13

The feeding of the 5000 is a well-known story in the Gospels, but I have to wonder if we are so familiar with it that we lose some of the hidden gems to be found there.  Let’s slow down and really look at the different facets found here.  

In John 6:10, Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.”  There was plenty of room to do so in that place.  Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated, as much as they wanted.  He did the same with the fish.  When they had all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over.  Let nothing be wasted.”  So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. (6:10-13)

Pause to ponder the fact that Jesus had the people sit down, and then distributed His provision to those who were seated.  (The fact that the Bible mentions “those who were seated” makes me think that there may have been those who chose not to obey the command to “sit down”, and subsequently weren’t fed).  Those who chose to sit down “all had enough to eat”. 

“Had enough” (empi(m)plemi) in the Greek means filled with food and satisfied.  Jesus NEVER leaves someone who comes to Him unsatisfied.  If someone comes and will choose to “sit down” and just take in what He provides, they will be satisfied.  So often though we don’t sit down long enough to absorb and truly be nourished by all that Jesus has for us; and then we wonder why we go through life feeling so unsatisfied.  When we spend a little time with Jesus but then close our Bibles, leaving Jesus there, we move on with our day trying to satisfy the hunger in our souls.  We end up looking to earthly things, things that give the illusion that they will satisfy our “hunger”.

Later in this same chapter, Jesus declares “I am the Bread of Life.  Whoever comes to me will never go hungry” (6:35). “Whoever COMES” <erchomai>: to commit oneself to the instruction of Jesus and enter into fellowship with Him.  That’s the key!  Right there!  Commit—fellowship.  Don’t just give Jesus a few minutes here and there and then wonder why you’re still “hungry”.

Think of it this way.  What do you enjoy more…inhaling fast food on the run or lingering at the Thanksgiving table?  Both may feed you, but which scenario leaves you feeling satisfied? 

Sit down with Jesus.  Commit yourself to His instruction.  Enter into fellowship with Him.  The definition of “fellowship” in the dictionary is companionship, and a companion is defined as one that accompanies another; a comrade.  

You can’t compartmentalize Jesus. 

Sit down with Him, enjoy the meal He prepares for you, but then when you are satisfied, take Him with you throughout your day.  Jesus is interested in more than the dutiful five or ten minutes you spend with Him before you’re out the door.  He wants to go out the door WITH YOU. 

If you want to be filled and satisfied, come to Jesus—allow Him to accompany you—24/7, 365.