MARK 6 - JIREH

INTRO

Well, good morning! It’s great to have all of you here. If you are a guest with us this morning thank you for being here. If you are joining us online, thank you for spending some time with us this morning! If you don’t know who I am, my name is Nathan Powell. I am the worship pastor here at CCF and it’s certainly a privilege to periodically switch roles and be given an opportunity to teach and to share God’s word with you all.

Before we dive in, I wanted to take just a moment to say thank you to Kate Dewey and the missions team here at CCF. It has been wonderful to hear these amazing stories over the past couple of weeks about these missionaries. Missionaries that we have the honor of supporting and encouraging as they continue to do Kingdom work in their community. It is truly inspiring to hear what these families have had to endure all the while proclaiming the Gospel and sharing God’s love with others. So, thank you Kate for sharing, and thank you missions team for all of the work that has gone in to preparing for the upcoming missions fundraiser on February 28th.

All of this really got me thinking about my first experience with international missions. Back in 20ll, I was fortunate to be able to join a group from my church on a mission trip to Nicaragua (and I realize that is a pretty poor pronunciation of that name, so I apologize). And by the way, Nicaragua is an absolutely gorgeous country. The people and the landscape are just beautiful. And being from Louisiana, really my only experience will salt water was in the Gulf. So, during this trip I got to see and experience actual like big ocean waves. It was so cool! One of the free afternoons we had while we were there, we took a trip to the pacific coast and got to walk along the beach. And not to brag, but i actually got to cross an item off of my bucket list. While were were there, I got to recreate an iconic scene from one of the greatest movies of all time! Check it out! I mean you have to really look closely. I know it may be hard for you all to see but the image on the left is the original and the image on the right, surprisingly, is actually me! Can you see it?! Well all of that aside, it really was a wonderful, life-changing experience. At that time, we partnered with an organization called Living Water International. They focused on teaching proper hygiene and providing clean water wells in various villages and small communities. I don’t really have time to get into the whole experience but It really was wonderful being able to meet the needs of that community. And by doing that, there were doors opened and we had multiple opportunities for our team to share the Gospel. There were so many things that had a huge impact on my life at the time and my eyes were truly opened to many of the realities of the world we live in. But probably one of the most impactful things. Yes, it was great being able to provide for that community. But what I think hit me the hardest was seeing this community, and the conditions in which they lived, many of them having next to nothing, and seeing just how much they wanted to give us in return. Seeing just how selfless and giving they were. You see, we came to provide for them. And out of their gratitude, they wanted to do everything they could to provide for us as well. The last day we were there, the community came together to prepare for us a family meal. And realizing that the food they provided us was more than they would ever feed themselves, was an incredibly humbling experience. So, thank you again Kate and our missions team. It is so exciting to see how God is working in and through CCF, especially in the lives of our missionaries and the work they are doing in their communities.

TRANSITION

Well, over the past 5 weeks, we have been walking through the Gospel of Mark. And as we have been on this journey, the two major questions that we have been trying to answer are: Who is Jesus? and What is a disciple? And Mark is full of so many wonderful stories and accounts that can help us to get a better picture of who Jesus is, how He and his disciples interacted, and how we as Christians today can live a life of faith and obedience that brings glory to Christ.

So, this morning we are now in Mark chapter 6. And we will be focusing on verses 30-44.

BACKGROUND / CONTEXT

Now, I think I can safely assume that many of you here have at least heard of the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000. So, a few things about this familiar passage before we begin:

It is perhaps one of the most famous miracles performed by Jesus, second to his resurrection.

It was likely one of his most public displays of wonder found in all of Scripture.

And it is also the only miracle of Jesus that appears in all four Gospels (Matt., Mark, Luke, & John). So, we get the idea that maybe this is something that the writers of Scripture REALLY wanted us to know.

So, I would encourage you as we take a look at this passage. Even though it may be the millionth time you have heard this story, let’s do all we can to remain focused and vigilant so we can be receptive to all that God is try to tell us through his written and living Word.

EXEGESIS

Mark 6:30–44 CSB

30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

So at the beginning of this passage, we find that the disciples are essentially at a debriefing with Jesus. If we look back at the beginning of this chapter, we learn that Jesus sent out the disciples in pairs on their very first short-term mission trip. On their journey he asked them to bring essentially nothing except for a walking staff. They were to, in faith, rely on the power and authority given to them by Jesus, each other, and the provision of those with whom they interact. Mark 6:12-13 says

Mark 6:12–13 CSB

12 So they went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons, anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

So, the disciples have returned and gathered to Jesus and they are telling him all that has happened. Im sure there is a lot of Joy and excitement as they share their experience. Maybe even a little frustration. At the same time, you know they are absolutely exhausted! The amount of physical, emotional, and spiritual strain must have been a burden. And on top of that, we learn in the verses just prior to this passage the John the Baptist has been murdered by King Herod. This was their friend. Some of the 12 would have likely been John’s followers before Jesus. And of course we know that John was Jesus’ cousin. So there must also be a component of grief and mourning there as well. And even upon their return, verse 31 tells us that the people in the area were constantly coming and going to the point that Jesus and the disciples didn’t even have time to eat. They were working nonstop. And although the work that they were doing was valuable, important, and life-changing, Jesus also understood the value of rest. I don’t know about you but as get older, I am learning more and more about the value of rest. And I’m learning that sometimes you may even need to say no to something or walk away from something that could be important to give your body and mind the rest that it needs. There are various times throughout Jesus’ ministry, either before or after a major event, where we see him going off on his own or with the disciples to rest, pray, and recover. The word for rest that Jesus uses in verse 31 is the Greek word anapauo. It’s actually where we get the english word “pause.” It primarily means to cause someone to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect their strength. It also implies a sense of refreshment and it is often used in the context of spiritual rest and refreshment provided by Christ. In fact that same word anapauo can be found in one of my all time favorite bible verses. Matthew 11:28 says

Matthew 11:28 CSB

28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

What a great reminder in this passage that Jesus values rest. And as Christians we should value it as well. Not only should we rely on Christ’s provision of strength, but let us embrace his provision of rest and refreshment when it is needed.

So, continuing in verse 32

Mark 6:30–44 CSB

32 So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place, 33 but many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they ran on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.

So the plan was to rest and recover in a remote area. Luke’s account tells us that they traveled to Bethsaida on the other side of the sea of Galilee. However, their plan for a little R & R would have to be delayed for a little while. Verse 33 tells us that there were many that recognized them and decided to follow them. Verse 34

Mark 6:30–44 CSB

34 When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things. 35 When it grew late, his disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. 36 Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy themselves something to eat.”

Here we see two very different responses to the crowd. You have Jesus, and then you have the disciples. All of whom, as we said earlier, are completely exhausted and in need of rest. I love what Chuck Smith says in his commentary. First speaking of Jesus, he says

Rather than being irritated, it touched Him; it touched His heart. "Oh, these blessed people, so hungry for God, a real experience with God." And He was moved with compassion, because He looked at them in an entirely different light. Whereas the disciples were perhaps looking at them as a nuisance, Jesus saw them as poor little sheep without a shepherd. They don't know where they're going; they're lost. They have no defense.

I don’t know about you, but I sure am thankful for Jesus’ response! I know how much of a nuisance I can be and I know the kind of dumb sheep decisions I make that lead me astray. But Jesus doesn’t dismiss me because he is tired and frustrated with me. It doesn’t try to send me away because he’s tired of dealing with me. No, Jesus is kind and compassionate. He is the good shepherd. And his desire is to provide for, protect, and guide all of his sheep.

So, a large crowd was waiting. Jesus shows compassion and begins teaching them. After a while the disciples want to send them away claiming that they needed to go find food for themselves. The disciples were tired, they were spent and they just wanted them to go away so they could get back to their planned time of rest and relaxation. But although the disciples saw Jesus teaching the crowd, in think they were unaware of just how much Jesus was teaching them as wall. So Jesus’ response to the disciples request was this: Verse 37

Mark 6:30–44 CSB

37 “You give them something to eat,” he responded.

As a matter of fact John’s account tells us that Jesus said this to test them, for he knew what he was intending to do. And so the disciples responded in return,

Mark 6:30–44 CSB

They said to him, “Should we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”

Can you hear the sarcasm in this response? Can you sense that tone of snarkiness? The disciples are tired and irritable and they are getting a little snippy. I happen to be the only male in our household, my wife and I have two daughters and even our two dogs are both girls. And I had a comment about snarkiness and being snippy, but I happen to value my life so I’ve decided not to share that with you. Instead, I actually wanted to talk to you a little bit about math.

Math, second to music, was actually one of my favorite subjects in school. I think I really liked it one, because it was like a puzzle any time you solve an equation. Two, I really liked the order of operations and the process that you had to take to solve the equation. There are specific rules in place that you have to follow in order to get to the solution. And three, math is concrete. 2 plus 2 has to equal 4 and it equals 4 every single time. That will never change.

However, in God’s economy, math works a little differently and it doesn’t always make sense. The disciples were trying to calculate just how much it would take to feed all of these people. Number that was tossed out was 200 denarii. And we know that a denarii was basically one days wage at that time. So, the disciples were calculating that to feed this many people, it would probably take someone’s whole yearly salary just to feed this crowd even a tiny bit.

But Jesus was using God math. He had already solved this equation. He knew the answer to this problem. And so, he asks the disciples…

Mark 6:30–44 CSB

38 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” When they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he instructed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 Everyone ate and was satisfied. 43 They picked up twelve baskets full of pieces of bread and fish. 44 Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.

So we find Jesus and the disciples in this situation where a need can be filled. A problem needs to be addressed. And the disciples try and approach this situation in what they would consider a rational or logical way. And I think if we are all being honest we would probably respond in the same way. I also find it interesting that this experience happened right after they were sent out on mission. Right after they were told “bring nothing except for a walking stick” all of your needs will be met as you go on this journey. Right after they were given power and authority and had driven out demons, healed the sick, and performed miracles all to prove the power and the good news of Jesus Christ… and here they are trying to send the crowd away so that they could meet their own needs. But Jesus said no… I can meet their needs… I am enough to satisfy their hunger. And so he took the bread and the fish. He blessed. And he broke it. And it says that he kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people and everyone ate and was satisfied. And even after all of that, there were still twelve baskets full of leftovers…BOOM…Mic drop moment.

We have a savior who doesn’t follow the conventional, or mathematical laws of nature. In fact, he has all power and authority over it. And that same savior is compassionate and desires to fill us with his provision. He desires to meet our needs. The word satisfied in verse 42 is the greek word chortazó and it means to fill. And in the agricultural sense, it actually means to fatten as if you were fattening a pig for the slaughter. So, the people in the crowd weren’t simply given a snack just to hold them over until they could find more food. No, they were filled to the fullest. I’m reminded of Ephesians 3:17-21

Ephesians 3:17–21 CSB

17 … I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 19 and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

We have a savior that can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. And he wants to meet our needs. May we never forget the he is the only one who can satisfy. And he is enough.

PRACTICE

Well before we wrap up I think there are three truths that we can pull from this passage that can really help us to faithfully lean into Christ and to live a life that is pleasing and honoring to him. The first is this:

Christ’s Provision Is Practical & Perfect

As Christians we are blessed to be able to receive God’s purposeful, perfect, plentiful provision. But we have to be willing to see His provision for what it is. We have to stop Americanizing this concept of provision and blessing and understand that Jesus’ provision is not intended to make us rich or to help us climb the social ladder or even to live a comfortable life. No, you see, God’s provision is practical and it is perfect. Philippians 4:19 states

Philippians 4:19 CSB

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

And notice in this passage that Jesus doesn’t immediately begin feeding them. So what does he do first? He begins teaching them. Verse 35 tells us that this was a deserted or a desolate place. And Jesus was well aware that many of these people had traveled for miles. But rather than tending to their physical needs first, he prioritizes their spiritual needs first. Because he knows that their eternal souls are what truly needed sustenance at that time. In that same way, the Lord provides for our spiritual needs as well and prioritizes the nourishment of our soul. But don’t worry, he certainly does not neglect our physical needs either

We are even told not to worry about our physical needs: Luke 12:24-34

Luke 12:24–34 CSB

24 Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? …… 27 “Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. …. 29 Don’t strive for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. 30 For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided for you. 32 Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.

His provision is practical and perfect. And he provides for us so that we can live a life fully devoted to God and be able to generously share His love with others, fulfilling our purpose in Him.

So we are blessed to be able to receive his practical and perfect provision. And our response out of gratitude and our realization that we cannot live this life without God’s provision should be that of provision. Which leads me to Truth number 2:

Provision Received Leads To Provision Given

Our provision to others should be a direct response to God’s provision to us. We give because he gives. 1 John 4:19-21 says

1 John 4:19–21 CSB

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.

I know how easy it can be to consume and consume, and consume some more. But if we are truly consuming the perfect and plentiful provision of Christ, there should be an almost immediate response of outpouring. A direct response of wanting to share that received love and provision with those around us. And this is not meant to scare you or to guilt you in any way. And I get it! Some of you may be thinking, “man I am doing my best just to keep my head above water.” And I would encourage you by saying this. Your current ability to stay afloat does not reflect your spiritual standing in Christ. Let me say that one more time. Your current ability to stay afloat does not reflect your spiritual standing in Christ, You simply might going through storm in your life that the lord has chosen not to remove you from. I had a mentor that would always say. We are all going through storms in this life. Some of us are in the midst of a storm. Some of us are coming out of a storm. And some of us are about to sail right into one. But even in the midst of the storm, God is still calling us to be faithful. Which leads me to this final truth. And really its a challenge:

Let Your Little Be God’s A Lot

All of Scripture is filled with stories of God using the most unlikely, unremarkable, inexperienced, seemingly unimportant people to do the most extraordinary tasks for his glory and his kingdom. From Moses the stutterer and murderer, to Joseph who was sold into slavery. From David the shepherd to Rahab the prostitute. And eventually an unruly group of fishermen and a tax collector. All of these individuals came from nothing. They were not born in to money or royalty. They were not given special abilities that set them apart from anyone. But what did set them apart and allowed them to take part in extraordinary kingdom tasks was their faith. Their faith that the Lord who called them to what might be considered an impossible task would provide for them and equip them to follow through in obedience.

In reality, there is absolutely nothing that we can give of our own strength that would make any difference. But when we rely on Christs strength and his provision we are able give out of obedience and in the faith that he will continue to keep his promises. And when we feel that it is not enough or that all we have left could never make any difference. Let us remember the loaves and the fishes. Let us remember that the one we serve has all power and authority over all things. And when we give obediently, even if it is a little, he can always turn it into more than we could ever imagine. So, let your little be God’s a lot.

CONCLUSION

Well, I don’t know how God has been speaking to you over the past week or even during this message. Maybe you are someone in need of God’s provision. Truth be told, we all are but maybe you are in a really difficult place right now and you have no idea what to do next. Maybe the Holy Spirit is simply nudging you to reach out in faith and ask for help. Let me tell you, if that is you, you are sitting in the midst of an incredible family of God. There are people in this room right now who will, without question or hesitation help you in your time of need. I can speak from recent personal experience as my wife and I were both struggling last week with COVID. Now, it wasn’t a really major ordeal and I certainly don’t feel deserving of this, but the amount of love that was poured out on me and Amanda and the girls was just overwhelming. Whether it was messages of encouragement, or prayer, or even meals provided for us throughout the week, the Lord provided for our needs through our church family! Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are in need.

Maybe your’e sitting there and you want to be obedient but your’e trying to do the math and its just simply not adding up. You’re looking at your crumbs and minnows and you can’t even begin to comprehend how God could use you. We’ve got to remember that God math doesn’t always make sense. God’s math is 6 jars of water equaling 6 jars of the best quality wine the banquet master had ever tasted in John chapter 2. God’s math is casting the net on the other side of the boat equaling so many fish that the boat nearly sinks. God’s math is five loaves and two fishes equaling over 15,000 satisfied bellies and twelve full baskets of leftovers. God math just doesn’t always make sense and we shouldn’t even try to question it or understanding. But we should trust it and should step out in faith so that our little can become God’s a lot. So that our sack lunch can become God’s banquet. We must remember, that no matter what God is calling us to do or to give or to give up for that matter, he is faithful to keep his promises and he has promised us that he will provide us with everything we need. He is our Jehovah Jireh - The Lord our Provider. Although the first time this name is mentioned in Genesis 22 after the Lord provided Abraham with a ram to sacrifice in place of his own son Isaac. The name is also given in Psalm 23. So as we close, if you are able, would you stand and join me in reading Psalm 23 together.  

Psalm 23 KJV 1900

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

PRAY