passing or flunking the test?
"He knew well what He intended to do but He asked this to test Philip's response." —John 6:6
Jesus continues to test us on the subject of feeding the masses. He knows what He wants to do, but He brings up the subject to test our response (Jn 6:6). Some of us, like Philip, inform the almighty God of the practical impossibility of the human situation (see Jn 6:7). Others, like Andrew, suggest that we have the makings of a miracle, but back off from that suggestion about as quickly as they make it (see Jn 6:9). Others in our secular humanistic society just flat out tell Jesus that they doubt whether He does miracles any more (if He ever did). These people have completely flunked Jesus' test.
What are you going to say to Jesus when He tests you about feeding the masses? Will you speak focused on His infinite, perfect sufficiency or on your insufficiency? Will you speak by sight or by faith? (2 Cor 5:7) Will you let Jesus put words in your mouth and faith in your heart? Or will you figure things out for yourself and speak your mind instead of His? Will you get a good grade from Jesus as He tests your response to His question regarding the feeding of the masses? Or will you flunk out of life and eternal life? Believe in the multiplication of the loaves, fish, resources, time, and energy. Believe in Jesus. Pass; don't flunk.
Prayer: Father, thank You for putting me to the test (Jdt 8:25). Give me faith to rise to the occasion.
Promise: "Day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah." —Acts 5:42
Praise: Vince cut back his work week from forty to thirty-two hours so that he could spend more time teaching the faith to his children.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on I Believe in Miracles on audio AV63-3 or video V-63.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, November 15, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 16, 2001