JesusDoesn’t

UseIVR!John 6:1-15

The People Had An Immediate and Pressing Need

vv 1-6

Jesus Doesn’t Use IVR!

This episode takes place after Jesus healed an invalid (Jn 5:1-15). Everyone knew what Jesus had done. The crowds follow Jesus because they, too, need healing.

“When Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick” (Matt 14:14).

“The multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing” (Lk 9:11).

Jesus Doesn’t Use IVR!

The people also need something to eat. “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” (v 5). “When it was evening, His disciples came to Him,

saying, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food’” (Matt 14:15).

The crowd Jesus encounters had some real needs. Many are sick, perhaps with diseases no doctor can cure. They are hungry, and far from a place to find food.

How many people today have

immediate & pressing needs?

The People Had An Immediate Person To Address That Need

vv 7-11

Jesus Doesn’t Use IVR!

When He sees the crowd, Jesus has compassion. He has already asked Philip where they’re going to buy

bread for the people to eat. “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for

them, that every one of them may have a little,” v 7. Do we sometimes want to keep our distance from hurting

people? Andrew: “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves

and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” v 9. Sometimes, like Andrew, we want to help but feel so

inadequate.

Jesus Doesn’t Use IVR!

This text shows the inadequacies of the apostles. Philip couldn’t come up with enough money. Andrew couldn’t come up with enough food.

Jesus can help!

The People Had An Immediate Response

To Their Need

Jesus Doesn’t Use IVR!

Jesus will help us when we need help, too. Sometimes the response isn’t immediate.

“He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Lk 18:1).

If help is always immediate, why “pray and not lose heart”?

Jesus Doesn’t Use IVR!

At times, God does help us immediately. Forgiveness is immediate.

“Now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

Comfort can be immediate. “[Cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet

5:7).

Jesus Doesn’t Use IVR!

How will we respond when others need our help. There is great danger in waiting to help.

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (Jn 9:4).

“To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Js 4:17).

Will we wait when others need us, or will we help as soon as possible?