Dinner at the House of Fish

Introduction

Observations

The 12 returned from their mission. We know they did all what Jesus told them to do. Cast out demons, heal the sick, and preach. These are all divine acts, they were given power from Jesus. Jesus in our text gently reminds them that yes they were given great power, they were still servants.

Bethsaida = House of Fish, located on the north east tip of the sea of Galilee, about 6 miles east of Capernaum.

The Kingdom of God - The kingdom of God was the focal point of Jesus’ preaching. It was a pivotal topic considering the people were looking for a relief from their oppression from the Roman Government. They wanted a king to overthrow their conquerors yet Jesus came to over throw something worse that the Romans, sins oppression. This was not just a look or hope for the future, the kingdom was at hand! the Messiah had come. The king was among them, and He preached the gospel, you cannot have the kingdom with out the gospel.

Noticed how Jesus accommodates the interruption. He ministered to them. He took time to stop what he had planned and saw them as needy people. And He ministered to them. How do we handle interruptions? How do we respond when things stand in the way of what we want to do?

In our text today we see

I. A Welcomed Interruption

Jesus was on His way to rest…but large crowds found Him and the disciples . With in these crowds were people with needs, needs that only Jesus could fix. They had physical needs, but more important spiritual needs. He began to speak and they listened they were spiritually hungry.

He welcomed them - hospitality in the woods. When Jesus told people to “Come all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” He meant it

He preached the Gospel - gave them the keys to the kingdom of God…what they did with them is another story. but the gospel is the key to the Kingdom of God

A teachable moment

a. The crowd didnt want to leave they wouldnt leave. It was getting later and Jesus did not stop. These people were spiritually starving.

b. The Disciples had concerns. It does not say but I feel they were hearing their own bellys more than the crowds. My kids do this. They try to misdirect to get something they want, i even had this done in church a time or two. but who could blame them. They were on a long journey they are exhausted , but here is Jesus again teaching and you know how long he preaches and heals....so they come to Jesus, and He looks at them and says “you “ dont you hate that when he says ‘You” ? you give them something to eat.

C. They begin to tell him that they have little to give. We do not have enough we are not equipped, we have so little to give....have you ever told Jesus that you have little to give?

A divine display

a. He began to command them to get the people ready. sit in groups about fifty.

b. Jesus took the little that they had and mad it huge. % loave and 2 fish he prayed to the father and blessed it. You know what Jesus blesses no matter how insignificant it may seem to us becomes great in the sight of God. With the little he began to pass out the food. It didnt stop till all were fed.

c. After the people ate and were satisfied they picked up the leftovers. Well the leftovers filled 12 baskets… the exhausted and hungry disciples had food for them as well. Jesus performed the miricle the disciples performed the work and God blessed their efforts. They brought so little and God gave them so much. Yes Jesus made them serve all the while showing them a model of service themselves.