LISTEN
This sermon was preached by Tim Simmonds at the CCM Kingsway site of Christ Church Manchester on Sunday 26th May 2019.
SERIES
This message was part of the ‘SERIES NAME’ series, preached at Christ Church Manchester’s church in Burnage in EARLY/MID/LATE YEAR. The full series included the following sermons:
BIBLE VERSES
This sermon was based on Mark 6:30-44.
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
30The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42And they all ate and were satisfied. 43And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.
KEY POINTS
A King who Restores his People
- Sheep without a shepherd – deliberate language. The people had been abandoned by their leaders – led into idolatry – exploited for wealth.
- Jesus sees his people and has compassion – Fascinating how rarely any discussion of leader involves compassion. Gifted leaders are not often described as compassionate. Modern narrative – political leaders work hard to look tough
- Jesus could have turned away the people – apostles were tired – likely he was – very intense time – he cares so deeply for others – goes beyond his own needs.
- Jesus compassion involves teaching – wasn’t just food for their stomach – food for their soul. Hint to what Jesus says in John – “I am the bread of life”. We encounter the compassion and restoration of Jesus when we hear his teaching.
A King who Involves his People
- Jesus wants involvement from his people – he doesn’t need it. He wants them to grow up – to mature.
- This group of Apostles would advance the Kingdom into Europe & Asia. They would work hard to love/serve the poor Many of them would die for the Kingdom of Jesus.
- Jesus involves you – often hard to understand – particularly when a Situation is beyond you. 5000 people to feed! Perhaps we look at issues of poverty or diminishing number of believers in UK church – what can we do? Perhaps – look at your work place – difficult issues in family – what can I do? You don’t feel faith – just cynicism. Obedience is all we have.
A King who Builds Trust with his People
- Jesus not worried by how much faith we have – he wants us to grow in trust/faith – Happy to go one step at a time – these Apostles eventually go on to do incredible things – but right now they have little faith. I am so grateful Jesus doesn’t write me off when I can’t fake enthusiasm – when faith is low – feel tired/defeated – Jesus doesn’t get fed up and move onto to someone better.
- He does ask for honesty though. Jesus just asks – count what you have – “How many loaves?” – then take the first step.
- Jesus is trust worthy – he wants to build our trust in him.
A King who Directs Power at his People
- Jesus power – changes everything. Mark doesn’t really explain what happened – were there suddenly 2500 loaves?Did the 5 loaves and 2 fish just keep splitting without reducing in size?
- All we need to know – he takes the little we have – transforms it. Gospels full of stories / parables about the Kingdom starting small – seeds – yeast. This is Jesus’ preferred way – start with small – watch it grow.
- Truth is – humans need the power of Jesus – we need his power to bring life where we can see death.
MORE SERMONS
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