John 6:5-6 Expecting the unexpected_

Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. John‬ ‭6:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Did Phillip pass the test?

He had a front row seat for seeing the same signs that drew the crowds in verse 2. Earlier in the Gospel of John he had attended the wedding at Cana and saw the water turned into wine.

Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” John‬ ‭6:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Jesus’ question revealed his intention — he wanted to feed the people. Phillip understood this and his first response was to assess how much money they needed, and the tone of his reply showed how impossible that line of thinking was. If a small bite for every person cost half an annual salary, then two small bites would be equal a year’s wages. A full meal? Well, you are absolutely bonkers!

Jesus didn’t ask, “What should we do with all these people?” Or “How do we get rid of them?” Or “How much money do we have?” or “How can we get more money?” He took responsibility for the impact he had on those following him and responded to a real logistics need. He could have also asked, “Where will we find bathrooms? Or water? Or sleeping accommodations?” He fully intended on meeting their need for food. And he started with a very high bar: I want to feed them, not just a piece, but a meal.

What did Jesus expect for an answer? He is the Messiah, the son of the Living God, by now I’m sure his disciples knew that whatever answer they offered they would encounter the unexpected. He was a teacher and this was a teaching moment. John wrote that Jesus already knew the answer. He knew what he would do. When Jesus shows up, there is no doubt the people’s needs will be met. I believe the power in that moment was in the question. And the question resonates forward today. To me. To my circumstances. To the multitude of issues, needs, lack, that I have. “What do you expect from me?”

Where will I ever find enough money for the down payment on the house? Where will I find a job to connect my skills and passions? How may I bring reconciliation to this impossible relationship? How will I provide healing to my friend afflicted with cancer or my brother-in-law dying slowly from a rare disease? Jesus is challenging me to mix the need I see in front of me with faith. How?

Just like Phillip, I have seen his signs. I have seen impossible situations in my life resolved. I know first hand the redemptive power of God in my own life. Story after story of his incredible dealings with me. And if my testimonies aren’t enough, I think about all the powerful stories I’ve heard from others. From the Gospels. From YouTube. So my baseline is that God is good and he does impossible things. I am part of that history of the miraculous.

So, what about today? How will I look at my need? He asks me, just like he asks Philip long ago, “Marc, where will you buy supply for this situation?”

Although in retrospect Philip’s answer seems pathetic today, Jesus did not berate him. He lets the question linger through the centuries. And I hear it today.

Based on what is written, Jesus didn’t say any more about it to Phillip. It was a teaching moment that would alter Philip’s psyche for the rest of his life. It was also a problem overheard by the other disciples. Andrew then stepped up and embraced what little they had: five loaves and two fishes. That was all that was needed. It was the raw ingredient, the thing they had, the sufficiency they could embrace as a starting point. It’s interesting to note that not even Jesus or the disciples had brought food. It must not have been a concern to them — maybe they planned to buy it with the money they had, or they had been invited to a supporter’s home, or maybe they simply didn’t consider where their next meal was coming from because with Jesus, things just seemed to work out.

The fragrance of faith

There is constantly need around me. My world is filled with steady streams of tragedy. Yet just because there is need, it doesn’t mean that God responds — nor is He obligated to. Among those that are the closest to me, I know they are aware of my need. When I say “I’m hungry, I’m cold, I need this or that,” they step in and supply as they can. Humans respond to need. So it’s natural for me to think that my Heavenly Father would do so even more. But it’s clear to me: God is not blackmailed by my emotional manipulation based on my obvious need. He expects more from me. “Philip, how will we feed them all?” It’s not need which captures heaven’s attention, but faith. Once I believe I must ask. With my mouth. I am a son, after all. My Father does not have a resource or a logistics problem. I am convinced that nothing is impossible and that God is good. He hears my request and He responds.

If I were Philip and he asked me the same question, then, I probably would have responded just like he did. But after that very visual lesson, today I would say, “Jesus, I saw you take plain old water and turn it into the frickin’ best wine for a whole heap of people at that wedding. It wasn’t even a church service, it was a party! There was more than enough and it was the very best stuff. Not to mention, it was WINE! You are so kind and compassionate and want the best for me and this wild group that is following you, so I know that you have something up your sleeve that will knock us sideways in awe. I don’t really know the answer but I know whatever is in my hand, including these few fish and loaves, you can use. Just like water, you could even take the stones around us.” Did I pass?

Report card: Civics in the wilderness: A+