THANKSGIVING THAT PRODUCES RESULTS!

Introduction:

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. It was first proclaimed a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. (242 YEARS LATER)

Today, in this year 2020, thanksgiving would seem to be the last thing on many people’s minds. In the midst of a world wide pandemic known as Coronavirus (COVID-19), and with the uncertainity of elections (local, state and national), and legal challenges, not to mention, the hundreds of thousands of lives that have been affected by this pandemic, a time of Thanksgiving may not seem to be in order.

Yet, Jesus Christ, our Savior, shows us, in this text, that thanksgiving produces results!

JESUS’ CONCERN FOR THE MULTITUDE

Jesus, as is not unusual for our Savior, is surrounded by a great multitude. He has been healing, and teaching them of His goodness.

The time comes where The Savior, wants to benedict them to their divers homes. They had been with Jesus for three days now, and they had nothing to eat. Jesus says, “And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.” (vs.3)

At this point, Jesus calls for an account of their inventory of food supplies when He ask, “How many loaves have ye?” (vs.5) The disciples state that they have only seven loaves.

The next part of the scene is where Jesus then gives a command, after hearing such a paltry inventory supply report. “And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground...” (vs. 6a).

THE COMMAND IS GIVEN IN DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES!

This command of Jesus comes in the midst of dire circumstances.

Consider the previous report of the disciples (only seven loaves)

Consider that the multitude of people had not eaten for three days and they were quite famished.

Consider this also: The inventory does not equal the demand!

THE KEYS IN THE COMMAND OF JESUS!

We all should understand that keys unlock things (e.g. doors, locks, etc…) Yet, keys can also unlock understanding when applied appropriately!

Jesus uses His KEYS:

ACCEPTANCE (SEVEN LOAVES - NOT ENOUGH)

APPRECIATION (THANKSGIVING)

APPLICATION (FAITH - HE BREAKS THE BREAD)

As Jesus gave to His disciples to distribute and disperse the bread among the people, further evidence in the food inventory found that there were a few fishes as well. Notice how this additonal inventory did not arrive until AFTER Jesus had broken the seven loaves!

WHEN WE APPLY THE KEYS OF CHRIST, ADDITIONAL AND MULTIPLICATION IS AN EXPECTED END RESULT!

THE COLLECTION!!!

NO, not the Tithes, and Offerings here. The collection is the completed results of the Thanksgiving of Jesus Christ!

FRAGMENTS COLLECTED (SEVEN BASKETS) -FRAGMENTS ARE IMPORTANT TO JESUS!

FILLED STOMACHS (ABOUT 4000 PEOPLE FEASTED!)

AFTER THIS - JESUS SENT THE MULTITUDES AWAY - FILLED, SATISFIED, AND THANKFUL!!!