Experiencing God - Day 13
Day 13 - Wednesday, February 21
Read John 6
Highlight
John, the author of the Book of John, gives us a hint at the significance of the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand in v4 when he tells us that “the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near.” The importance of this timing is that Passover was the religious festival when Jews remembered their great prophet Moses and the works that God did to free His people through Moses. One of the acts of provision performed through Moses was the giving of manna from heaven, bread that was miraculously given every day while the Jewish people were homeless in the wilderness. But the people wouldn’t have only looked back at Moses, but also forward to the fulfillment of the promise that one day God would send another prophet like Moses, who would come as an anointed king (Messiah) to lead God’s people into the ultimate Promised Land.
One of the things that the Jews would have known about manna was that they were provided just enough (hence the term ‘daily bread’) and if they tried to collect too much it would rot. The bread provided here by Jesus was not just ‘enough,’ everyone had their fill and then there was more left over. Jesus is making a point. He is showing that he is even greater than their prophet Moses. He is capable of doing a miracle without much effort while still providing abundantly, even to the point of overflowing. This is something greater, something that the manna from Heaven was just a foretaste of. The people realize it, which is why they say, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” (v14)
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read John 6
Highlight
John, the author of the Book of John, gives us a hint at the significance of the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand in v4 when he tells us that “the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near.” The importance of this timing is that Passover was the religious festival when Jews remembered their great prophet Moses and the works that God did to free His people through Moses. One of the acts of provision performed through Moses was the giving of manna from heaven, bread that was miraculously given every day while the Jewish people were homeless in the wilderness. But the people wouldn’t have only looked back at Moses, but also forward to the fulfillment of the promise that one day God would send another prophet like Moses, who would come as an anointed king (Messiah) to lead God’s people into the ultimate Promised Land.
One of the things that the Jews would have known about manna was that they were provided just enough (hence the term ‘daily bread’) and if they tried to collect too much it would rot. The bread provided here by Jesus was not just ‘enough,’ everyone had their fill and then there was more left over. Jesus is making a point. He is showing that he is even greater than their prophet Moses. He is capable of doing a miracle without much effort while still providing abundantly, even to the point of overflowing. This is something greater, something that the manna from Heaven was just a foretaste of. The people realize it, which is why they say, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” (v14)
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Experiencing God