King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Friday, October 18, 2024
Chapters: John Chapter 6
Message: Leave No One Behind
Hello My Friend,
As I was reading the chapter for today, I was reminded that it has always been God’s will to leave no man behind, but He gave everyone the freewill to decide that for themselves, [Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.]
No one in hell will tell you that they were never given the opportunity to accept Christ as their Saviour, and I tell you what, if Judas Iscariot, King Ahab, and Cain could speak to us now, they would be screaming at us from hell and telling us that we need to listen to what Jesus is talking about. It does not matter if we are of today or those of yesterday, there is only one way to be saved from the fiery pits of hell and that is Jesus Christ. Although the people of old would know Him as the Messiah, the Prince, the Prophet, the Branch, Immanuel, Shiloh, or by any one of the other names that they knew Him Him to be in their time, they still knew and believed that Christ was coming to save them.
[John 6:47-51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.]
Since John’s account of the Gospel of Christ was aimed toward the Gentiles, we do not read much about what Matthew, Mark, and Luke wrote from their testimonies. This does not mean that he was not there, it just means that his testimony was not aimed to reach the Jew, the Roman, or the Greek, but rather all who believe in Christ. However, there were a few instances in which John did chime in and as we continue in the reading of the Gospels, he gives his account of Jesus feeding the five thousand.
[John 6:1-6 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.]
[And this he said to prove him:] Do you see that? Jesus, already knew that He was going to supply the people with provisions, but He wanted to prove them or rather, test their faith. So, why does John point out that Jesus specifically asked Phillip this question? It was apparent that Phillip knew the area well so Jesus, was asking him where there was a place at which they might buy food. Jesus, was anxious to try out the faith of Philip, as well as that of the rest. Well, Philip had the response that many of us have when we find ourselves in a situation where we have limited means and have no idea what we are going to do.
[John 6:7-12 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.]
[There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves,] It is interesting to note that the disciples did not have these items themselves, unlike Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John, decided to notate where the food came from. There are many who attempt to discredit this miracle by assuming that there were others in the crowd who also had their own food based on this verse and that was the reason why there was enough food for all. Just say that it were true that others in the crowd had food, none could deny that they all had been handed at least one piece of bread and fish and by the sound of it, it was as much as they wanted.
[Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.] This was how much the crowd left behind after they had gotten full, got up, and left. Jesus, had a specific purpose for telling them to make sure that nothing they gathered would remain left behind. Now, when the disciples picked up all the leftovers, they filled twelve baskets full of bread.
[John 6:13-15 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. 15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.]
[remained over and above unto them that had eaten.] The bread that remained after they had eaten was so much that even if there were some that had their own food, it truly would have been impossible for this to be anything, but a miracle. When we fully trust that God is the one who supplies, we will receive more than we ever asked Him for, [Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.]
[This is of a truth that prophet that should come] This is more proof that the people knew that Jesus was much more than a preacher man or teacher, what they did not do was draw the right conclusion from the miracle. Some of them may have believed that Jesus truly is the Messiah, but the majority of them voiced their opinion of Him based on the small fragments of what they had been told from this passage.
[Deuteronomy 18:15-18 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.]
What the Scribes and Pharisees did not tell them was that there were consequences for those who did not heed the words of the Prophet, [Deuteronomy 18:19-20 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. 20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.]
You see, the problem is, everyone who believes in God wants His blessings, but the majority of them do not want to do what it takes to receive them. They want to make up their own rules and say that “their works” are accepted by God. And incidentally, God, was referring to the false prophets, which by the way were all of the Scribes and Pharisees who who were trying to kill Jesus because they thought they knew God. Now, John, also gives his account of Jesus walking on the water toward the ship that the disciples were on.
[John 6:19-22,24-25 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. 20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. 21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. 22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; 24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. 25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?]
[Then they willingly received him into the ship:] We had been reading about this for three days now, but this is something new that we learn. Remember, Mark said, [Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.] Jesus, responds to our faith and it does not matter if we were right there with Him witnessing Him walking on that water, if we do not willingly receive Him, then He will pass on by, [2 Timothy 2:11-13 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.]
[immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.] Can you imagine being instantly transported from being in the middle of the sea to the shore? Now, there were people watching Jesus as He had sent the disciples on that ship, they knew that He did not go with them, so the very next day when even more people showed up and saw Him with the disciples they did not know what to think.
[John 6:22,24-26 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; 24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. 25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.]
[because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.] The sad truth is that Jesus still produces miracles every day, and while many will acknowledge and praise Him for them, the majority only seek Him because their flesh is satisfied. The second they stop getting what they want, they bail on Him, [Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.]
So, what was the purpose for Jesus feeding the five thousand in the first place? He was trying to show them that the miracle that He produced was just like the Manna that fed the Israelites for forty years when they were on their way to the promise land. Jesus, explains this when they ask Him to give them a sign so that they might believe in who He is.
[John 6:30-33 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.]
[What sign shewest thou then, that we may see,] Seriously! If all the signs of Him being the Son of God, including the food that fed them did not give them proof, then there was no convincing them and Jesus knew this, which is why He goes on to explain that He is the bread of life.
[John 6:34-39 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.]
[Lord, evermore give us this bread.]
[that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing,] Wait a minute, was there an even deeper message that Jesus was sending when He told the disciples to, [Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.]? Jesus, was referring to every soul that comes to Him, not one of them will be left behind. This explains why Jesus has not returned yet, God, is waiting for the very last believer to receive His Son before He does, [2 Peter 3:9-10 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.]
We hear so much about “My body, my choice”, well this actually does apply to our soul, while our body can only go one place until Jesus returns, the soul will go to one of two places, either heaven or hell. The key to getting to heaven is Jesus and Jesus alone, which He goes on to explain how this is possible.
[John 6:41-46 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.]
[It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God.] What Jesus is saying here is that they did not believe God back then no more than they believe Him now. For had they truly believed in God, and in the Scriptures, then they would believe in Jesus, hands down. What they really wanted was for Jesus to send manna down from heaven right that instant. Let me tell you, even if Jesus did send the manna down from heaven as if it were floating down from the heavens, they would not have believed, which is why He would never and still never succumbs to their tempting Him. And of course, they wanted this bread that He was talking about, only they had no idea that that bread that He was referring to was Himself.
[John 6:52-57 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.]
[The Jews therefore strove among themselves,] Do you see how they were divided in their belief of Him as well? Okay, so, this is what they were perceiving when Jesus told them that God had bread that would give them everlasting life, “God can give us this manna that our forefathers ate that will let us live forever and you know how we can get it.” What Jesus was actually saying was, “I am going to sacrifice MY BODY as one of those sheep, only My sacrifice will give your soul the bread that it needs for ever lasing life.”
[eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,] Say what? This was definitely not something they were expecting to hear. What Jesus was talking about had nothing to do with the flesh at all, except for His own, just as a sheep was offered, but the offering had to be offered to God willingly.
[John 6:60-64 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.]
[Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not,] Now, if they bothered to listen to what He was saying and believe in Him they would have understood that Jesus was speaking spiritually. In fact, many of them walked away from Him upon hearing this, [John 6:66-71 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.]
[Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.] Everyone wants eternal life, but very few are willing to get it God’s way. Eternal life through our faith in Christ truly is a hard saying for those intent on choosing their own way. Nevertheless, it has always been God’s plan from the very beginning, People Need The LORD, [Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [John 6:12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.]
Today’s Prayer: God, The message is clear, “Preach the Gospel!” Father, forgive me for trusting in my own works to sustain my flesh, it is so easy to push Your work aside when the bills pile up, the cupboards are bare, and the body is afflicted. You prove time and time again that You supply our every need when we trust You, and do Your work. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. And I ask these things in Your name, Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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