Jesus Feeds the Multitudes - John 6:1-15 - Pastor Jason Fritz - Who is Jesus? [Sermon]

Summary

In this heartfelt sermon, the pastor draws parallels between the biblical story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and the selfless acts of mothers. He emphasizes the transformative power of faith, using the boy's loaves and fishes as a metaphor for offering one's small contributions to Jesus for greater impact. The pastor encourages believers to surrender their lives to Jesus, experiencing the joy and power of partnership with God, and to embrace the abundant life He offers.

Takeaways

• 📖 The sermon discusses John chapter 6, highlighting the miracle of Jesus feeding twenty thousand people as a symbol of the nurturing role mothers play in families.
• 🍞 The miracle of the loaves and fishes is one of two miracles recorded in all four Gospels, emphasizing its significance and the public participation in the event.
• 🤔 The sermon questions why Jesus performed miracles, clarifying that they served as confirmation of His divine mission, not for gaining fame or a crowd.
• 📖 It emphasizes that miracles, including the feeding of the multitude, were meant to bear witness to Jesus being the Messiah, the Son of God, as stated in John 20:31.
• 👥 The sermon points out that the miracle involved an impoverished boy, illustrating how Jesus can take the seemingly insignificant and use it for great purposes.
• 🌟 The sermon suggests that Jesus' miracles, including feeding the multitude, demonstrate the abundance of life He offers, contrasting the misconception that following Christ leads to a life of deprivation.
• 💪 The sermon encourages believers to hand over their lives to Jesus, promising that they will experience His power to make good choices and to do things they could not do on their own.
• 👶 The story of the boy with five loaves and two fishes is highlighted to show that when we give what we have to Jesus, even if it seems small, it can be transformed into something that feeds many.
• 👑 The sermon touches on the reaction of people to Jesus' miracles, noting that despite witnessing His power, many chose not to follow Him due to their resistance to His teachings on how to live.
• ⛰ The sermon uses the metaphor of a mountain to describe the moment when people wanted to make Jesus a king, but He withdrew, showing His mission was spiritual, not political.
• 🙏 The closing prayer asks for enlightenment to understand the immeasurable power of God available to believers, and the desire to live a life that reflects Jesus' teachings.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon based on the transcript?

The main theme of the sermon is the miracle of feeding the 20,000 people as recorded in John chapter 6, and how it symbolizes the abundant life and power of Jesus Christ, as well as the importance of faith and surrendering to God's will.

Why does the sermon mention the number of school lunches packed by Jill?

The sermon mentions the number of school lunches packed by Jill to illustrate the idea of a mother's sacrificial love and care, similar to how Jesus fed the multitudes, showing that even in seemingly small acts, there is significant impact.

What are the two miracles recorded in all four Gospels?

The transcript does not specify the two miracles, but traditionally, it is believed that the feeding of the 5,000 and the resurrection of Jesus are the miracles recorded in all four Gospels.

What does Jesus mean when he says the works that he does bear witness about him?

Jesus means that the miracles he performs are not just acts of power, but they serve as evidence and testimony that he is the Son of God, sent by the Father, and that his mission and teachings are divinely ordained.

Why did Jesus perform miracles according to John 5:36?

According to John 5:36, Jesus performed miracles so that the works themselves would bear witness about him, confirming that he was sent by God and authenticating his teachings and identity.

What does the sermon suggest about the nature of the miracle of feeding the multitudes?

The sermon suggests that the miracle of feeding the multitudes is significant because it was a very public event where people not only observed but also participated, and it demonstrated Jesus' divine power and his mission to provide spiritual nourishment.

What does the sermon imply about the reaction of the people to Jesus' miracles?

The sermon implies that despite witnessing the miracles, many people, including Jesus' enemies, did not change their hearts and minds about him because they were not willing to surrender their self-righteousness and control to God's plan of salvation through faith in Jesus.

How does the sermon use the story of the boy with five barley loaves and two fish?

The sermon uses the story of the boy to illustrate that even the most seemingly insignificant contributions can become powerful and meaningful when entrusted to Jesus, leading to abundant outcomes and leftover blessings.

What is the significance of the 'leftover fragments' in the miracle of feeding the multitudes?

The leftover fragments signify the abundance that Jesus provides, which is more than enough to meet the needs of the people. It also contrasts with the manna given by Moses, which was only enough for one day, showing that Jesus provides sustenance that lasts.

What does the sermon suggest about the power of God as revealed through the miracle?

The sermon suggests that the power of God, as revealed through the miracle, is immeasurable and transformative. It is the power to make wise choices, to forgive, to love enemies, and ultimately to conquer death through faith in Jesus Christ.

What is the role of the disciples in the miracle of feeding the multitudes as depicted in the sermon?

The role of the disciples in the miracle is to be drawn into the situation, to recognize their own limitations, and to participate in the miracle by following Jesus' instructions. This participation allows them to experience the joy of partnering with Jesus in performing a divine act.