MONDAY

SCRIPTURE: John 6:1-14

Have you ever faced a situation that felt so overwhelming or discouraging that you wanted to give up before you even began? Like we noted last Sabbath, the giants seem too big, too many, and to be holding all the cards. So what is the point? The needs feel too great, and what we have seems far too small to matter.

But is the battle really over before it even begins? If you were trying to intimidate an opponent, that is exactly what you would want them to believe.

It is understandable, then, that in today’s passage Philip and Andrew respond to Jesus the way they do. The need is too great. The resources are too few. And Jesus replies, “Have the people sit down.” Jesus often works like that, does not he? Right up to the moment he tells them to gather twelve baskets of leftovers.

As you reflect on today’s passage, consider the following:

• What was right about Philip and Andrew’s assessment of the situation? What was missing?

• Why do you think Jesus began with a question instead of moving straight to the solution?

• Some understand the miracle as Jesus creating more bread and fish. Others see it as Jesus inspiring people to share what they already had, resulting in abundance. Perhaps it was both. What especially speaks to you in the story?

• When you face challenging situations, do you identify more with Philip, Andrew, or the boy? Why?

• Can you recall times when people shared from what seemed like scarcity and experienced abundance instead? How does that connect with this story?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer whatever is stirring in you as you reflect on today’s passage.