Passage: “Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6:4-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

http://bible.com/114/jhn.6.4-6.nkjv

Paraphrase: it was about the time of the year for the Passover, a feast of the Jews. Jesus looked up and saw there was a great number of people gathering near them. He took this opportunity to ask Phillip: “Where can we get enough bread to feed everyone that’s here?” Jesus wasn’t asking this because He wasn’t familiar with where to get bread. He was asking because He wanted to know what the disciples would want to do and to hear how they would respond in this situation. This was only a test.

Principle: Jesus tests His disciples.

Asking questions is a great way to find out what someone thinks or believes about Jesus.

Disciples need to have the eyes of Jesus And see that it is only Jesus who can meet all of their needs.

Jesus asks us questions at times not because He doesn’t know but because we need to hear our own response. Jesus always has a plan and that plan will always include His provision. However, the disciples, like us, often do not realize exactly how it is all going to work out.

Ponder:

How are you being “tested” right now?

Is there a need that you see but have no idea how to meet it?

Is there a need that you are trying to meet that only the Lord can fulfill?

Practice: Look at the physical needs people have and bring them before the Lord. Let the Lord use you to help meet those needs but remember that everything comes from His hand.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, at times you allow me to be in tests to see how I will respond. Give me your eyes to see people and myself the way that you do. Help me to be a conduit of your love and provision to those around me. Thank you for the plans that you have for me and for others. Help us accomplish those plans in Jesus name. Amen.