B-Group Lesson Part 2 of 4
Ever gone to a bank to pull out money? Why does the teller ask you for your identity? If you cash or deposit a check, it needs a signature. This proof of identity and signature is a representation of authority. The signature on the check says that the person to whom you gave the check can tap into your resources and receive money from you.
This week we are looking at the miracle of feeding the five thousand. Jesus sees the need. He also starts the ministry. Jesus was the one who initiated the miracle by asking Phillip the question, “Where can we buy bread to feed all of these people?” (John 6:5 NLT). With this question and his actions that followed, Jesus caused the disciples to help in performing this miracle. We have been called to join with Christ in the ministry! It is with and through Him that we can do all that He has commissioned us as believers to do.
In John 6, Jesus is shown to be doing so many things. He sees the crowd, and He talks to the crowd. He breaks bread and multiplies it! However, He also helps His disciples to see the need and co-labor in completing this miracle. In 1 Cor. 1:9, Paul shows the church that we are “partners working together for God” (GNT). In 1 Cor 3:9, he shows us we are “labourers together with God” (KJV).
Just as the disciples were once called into the ministry, so are we! In John 15:16, Jesus reminds His disciples that they didn’t choose Him, but He chose them. When you realize Whose you are, you begin to function from that position. As called ones, we carry with us the authority of Jesus, who has called us and given us that authority. When the book of Acts was written, some men were trying to use the authority of Christ to cast out demons. Since their authority didn't come from Christ, they were unsuccessful. In fact, they ran away in fear and shame! Our power comes from Jesus! HE is the One who calls us and equips us to do the work of ministry. We will never be put to shame.
We see when we study this particular miracle that the problem was so big. Phillip told Jesus it would take months to feed the people. Thankfully, the source of this miracle to solve the problem was standing right next to Phillip. When we take our focus and put it on ourselves, it is easy to get discouraged. We can sometimes forget that the Source that remedies all things is right next to us. In fact, Jesus tells us that “apart from [Him] [we] can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV). So let us always be sure to stay connected to the Source that is Jesus! When we take the time to read His word and pray, Jesus says we will “know His voice….no one can snatch them out of my hand” John 10:27-28.
Hebrews 12:2: “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (NKJV). In Jesus, we find everything we need to walk out our calling in ministry. As long as we keep our focus on Jesus, we will not only see a problem, but He will give us the ability to solve the problem. He is faithful to help us through His Holy Spirit living in us (John 16:7). If you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel disconnected or discouraged, look to Jesus, who created our faith and perfects (brings to maturity) our faith. He will help us!