Signs: Jesus feeds the 5000 and walks on water Flashcards
context
occurs during jesus ministy in galilee, following a period of teaching and healing
this miracle is recorded in all 4 gospels highlighting its extreme importance
growing crowd of followers who are drawn to jesus because of teachings and miracles
key details of the story
feeding of the 5000: jesus is walking with disciples with a huge crowd behind him because they’ve seen all that he has done for people. jesus asked a disciple where he can feed the people but they only end up with 5 loaves and 2 fish. JESUS GIVES THANKS AND MULTIPLIES THE FOOD SO THAT EVERYONE EATS AND IS SATISFIED
jesus walks on water: after hes fed the crowd he goes to mountain side by himself as the disciples seton a boat with strong wind and waves
jesus tells them “do not be afraid” and is welcomed by the discpiles once he walks on water to get to it, and they immediately reach the other side of the boat
people seek jesus: the next day the crowd realises that the disciples are not there and get on boats to capernaum to look for him.
themes and teachings
divine provision and abundance
faith in times of trial
jesus’ identity and authority
seeking jesus for the wrong reaons
divine provision and abundance
represents gods care for all people and he will not let people starve or go hungry. jesus ability to multiply the loaves shows his authority and power over multiple things
faith in times of trial
in times of fear or distress, the discples trusted jesus as he walked on the water: highlights the importance of faith in jesus in times of stormy seas and uncertainties
jesus’ identity and authority
jesus walking on water and calming the disciples reveals his identity of the son of God. in his statement when he says “it is I, do not be afriad”, he is assertinghis authority over the forces of nature and the fear of the disciples
seeking jesus for the wrong reasons
the crowds persuit of capernaum reveals their wrong reasons for wanting to appraoch and communicate with jesus, misunderstanding his true identity and passion rather than recognising him as the one who offers eternal salvation, which is the most important thing to ever exist.
implication for christians today
trust in Gods provision
faith in the midst of trials
recognition of jesus’ authority
true motives in seeking jesus
trust in God’s provision and unlimited supply
the feeding of the 5000 encourages believers to trust in Gods provision and care for his people, he will never let us down if we have unlimited faith, even if we are in scarcity and need
faith in the midst of trials
even though the disciples were fearful on the stormy sea, they trusted jesus when he said “it is I, do not be afraid”. jesus is present in every storm and even though we may not see it at first we need to be brave and welcome gods grace and will into our lives and hearts
recognition of jesus’ authority
this passage affirms jesus’ divine authority and power over creation. they call believes to acknoledge jesus as lord and submit to his authority in every area of their lives
true motives in seeking jesus
the crowd seeking jesus for the wrong reasons serves as a reminder that we should not pray or follow this religion for the wrong reasons. dont seek jesus just for blessings, but also for a genuine relationship with him as the source of eternal life and salvation
scholars: dodd
the sign was a crisis in jesus’ ministry, which may reflect historical tradition
this sign represented a high moment in his popularity with a lot of people folllwing jesus for the wrong reasons. although, when jesus went to the mountainside the twleve emerged with others who were the only ones who were following him for eternal salvation, a fresh start for jesus’ ministry
REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY!!!
jesus replacing old covenants with new actions
jesus went up to the mountainside is a relacement of moses going up to mount sinai
jesus fed the crowd with bread just as moses had done
