Pastor's Sunday School Blog
Sunday School Lesson
“Jesus Provides Bread from Heaven”
July 23, 2017
Matthew 14:13-21
Quick Facts:
Miracles violate the normal laws of nature; they are unexpected and unexplainable.
The “Feeding of the 5000” is the only miracle recorded in each of the four Gospels
This miracle incorporated Divine power with human participation. Unlike many of Jesus’ miracles, He used the disciples to complete the miraculous process.
Pastor’s Notes:
This miracle does not lend itself to trickery, allusion, or deception. Everyone (5000+ ate and was filled). The only explanation was, “It’s a miracle!”
This miracle was not only about what He did, but Who He is … He provided physical bread for the physically hungry; He is the “bread from heaven” offering satisfaction to those who are spiritually hungry.
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger…” (John 6:35).
Jesus used “the little” available to do the miraculous (See John 6:9). It is never about what we have but what we give; God takes our insufficiencies and creates sufficiency.
Sometimes the only reason some people follow Jesus is for their own benefit (See: John 6:26).
Jesus provides by showing compassion (Matthew 14:13-14).
It seems, that after Jesus heard about the martyrdom of John the Baptist, His cousin, He was grieved and sought solitude for the purpose of mourning. This shows the human side of Jesus.
DISCUSS: Why do you think Jesus felt it necessary to seek solitude?
The crowds were more concerned for their own needs than they were the needs of Christ. In response, Jesus set aside His needs, and minister to the needs of the people.
“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
“Compassion” – to be moved, moved beyond emotions, moved to action.
DISCUSS: When was the last time you were moved with compassion toward someone?
Jesus provides by doing the impossible with what we have (Matthew 14:15-18).
The disciple’s solution for the needs of the people indicated their failure to realize that Jesus is sufficient for every need. There appeared to be no logical answer for assistance outside of sending them into neighboring villages so that they could eat.
DISCUSS: Are you ever guilty of trusting God for the little things, but failing confidence in God for the big things?
Jesus told the disciples that the people didn’t need to leave to have their needs met. Why? He was there. And where Jesus is the impossible becomes the possible.
Only 5 loaves and 2 fish … in response to Jesus the disciple stated what they believed was the impossible…. Remember, “with God all things are possible” and that God relishes the opportunity to do what can’t be done.
Don’t look at what you can do, but what I can do with you, for you, and through you.
Jesus command “to bring what you have to Me” should remind us that God can and will use our little to accomplish much … we just need to bring it to Him.
DISCUSS: What does this story do for your excuse, “I can’t.”
Jesus provides by meeting needs through His followers (Matthew 14:19-21).
The source of the miracle – the power of God by Jesus
The participation in the miracle – Jesus gave to the disciples and the disciples gave to the people.
This is the pattern for service today … Allowing God to demonstrate His power through us … while the Lord is well able to do the miraculous apart from any human involvement, He chooses to use believers to meet the needs of people today … Song – “we are his hands and his feet”
The Provision – He was sufficient to meet their needs
The Proof – they ate to their fill and then took up twelve baskets full of leftovers
5000 men + women and children =
Theological Theme: Jesus, the Son of God, is able to provide
Christological/Christ Connection: Jesus is the “bread of life”
Missional Application: Jesus wants believers to be an extension of Who He is and what He is doing.