5000booklet

Cork Free Presbyterian Church, 10 Briarscourt (Annex) Shanakiel, Cork, Ireland
Pastor: Colin Maxwell. Email: colin.maxwell@fpcmission.org

ONLINE GOSPEL BOOKLET

1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

GOSPEL LESSONS FROM THE MIRACULOUS FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND BY JESUS CHRIST

* The importance of this miracle may be seen in the fact that it is recorded in all four gospels. You can find it in Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-14 (which account we have recorded in this booklet.)

* The main teaching of the miracle is substantiate the claims which Jesus Christ made concerning Himself. We must not view Him as being anyone less than God Himself, who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) In this booklet, we are asking you to venture your never dying soul upon this Man and here is a good reason why. Peter later referred to these miracles: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22) He is God’s appointed and approved Saviour.

* This great miracle also bears witness to the love of Jesus Christ. In Mark’s account, we read that “Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34) Even though you are a guilty sinner in His sight, yet Christ has compassion upon you. His heart beats with great love ... even the love that took Him willingly to Cross of Calvary to die for sinners.

* The condition of the folk reminds us that men are spiritually hungry without Jesus Christ. Your soul cannot exist on a diet of materialism and sensual pleasure. God has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11) These people could not feed themselves. Their desert world was quickly becoming a death trap to them without the necessary food which they lacked.

* The church could not feed them. It is vain that we look to churches and sacraments etc., to bring us salvation. The first thought of the disciples was to send the folk away, and it was with utter amazement and protest that they heard Christ’s command. Please remember, no one ever went to Heaven because they were a faithful Protestant or faithful Roman Catholic or whatever. No church of whatever orthodoxy can meet the need of your soul.

* The Lord Jesus alone can save you. Later on in John 6:48, he said, “I am the bread of life.” He alone can save and satisfy your soul. To believe on Him is to eat of Him spiritually (His language in the later part of John 6 is extremely figurative, although teaching real gospel truths.) Look to none but Christ alone to be your Saviour.

* Many of those who partook of the bread and fishes later walked on more with Him. Do not trust Him merely for the miracles, but let them establish His great gospel promises and make them your stay.

THE END