Introduction: Of course, this is a very famous story! Jesus had been healing many people from their diseases, and so a multitude began to seek Him out. Some wanted healing for themselves or loved ones. Others wanted to see a miracle worker. Some were truly seeking the Messiah. A crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children was gathered around Him to watch and listen, and Jesus decided to impress all of them with a miracle that would touch each personally, He decided to feed them all. Philip remarked, “Even if we had $10,000, that would only provide a little food for each person!” But there was a boy with 5 pieces of bread, and 2 small fish, which Jesus miraculously turned into plenty of food for about 15,000 people. Plus, there were twelve baskets of bread left over, no doubt a lesson to the 12 disciples. What can we learn from this wonderful story?

I. We are reminded again that Jesus is our Healer (John 6:1-2).

A. He healed multitudes.
B. He healed effectively.
C. He healed that which no one else could heal.
D. We ought to pray for healing of body and soul.

II. We are reminded that Jesus is our Teacher (John 6:3).

A. The teacher “sat” down to teach.
B. We read often of Jesus’ teaching ( For example, Matthew 5:2; 7:29; 13:54, etc.).
C. All of the Bible is Jesus’ teaching, not just the few words in the Gospels. For Jesus is God, and the Bible is the Word of God.
D. He is a great Teacher, but are we worthy students?

III. We see that Jesus is our Provider (John 6:5).

A. Jesus provided abundantly for these $15,000 hungry people.
B. Jesus continues to provide abundantly for us today.
C. It is our duty to share our abundance with those who are in need (James 2:15-16).

IV. We also see here that Jesus is our Tester (John 6:6).

A. We often read of God testing His people (for example, the story of Abraham and Isaac). Here Jesus is testing Phillip and the disciples. Phillip’s correct answer to Jesus should have been: “Lord, I believe you can provide for everyone.”

B. Do not be surprised if God allows difficulties, sufferings and heartache to enter your life to test your faith. He will not over protect us and spoil His children.
V. Jesus is our Lord (John 6:10-12).

A. Jesus gave orders, not suggestions.

B. Jesus is the King, Only Lawgiver in Zion, and the Judge of all the earth. He is the executive branch, legislative branch and judicial branch of government all rolled into one. He is our King, and we are His subjects. He commands, and we must obey. Have you given yourself unreservedly to Jesus? You will never understand what it means to be a Christian until you submit yourself to His rule in your life.

VI. As Advent season reminds us: Jesus is our Messiah (John 6:14 and Deut. 18:15).

A. “Messiah” in Hebrew, and “Christ” in Greek mean the same thing: The Annointed One, the Chosen One of God. That’s why Handel entitled his great oratorio that often hear at Christmas, “The Messiah.”

B. This is the heart of the Gospel. We were lost sinners, on our way to Hell. God sent His Son to die on the cross, to fully pay for all the sins of all who will repent and put their faith in Jesus. Have you turned from your sins, and trusted in Jesus and His death on the cross? If you haven’t, why not do so now?

Conclusion: Our closing hymn today is number 133, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” which emphasizes the truths about Jesus we have been looking at today. “Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace, Hail the Son of Righteousness. Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings.” Amen!