The Lesson of the Loaves
Leading Like Jesus
February 21-25, 2005

Jesus soon saw a great crowd of people climbing the hill, looking for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, "Philip, where can we buy bread to feed all these people?" He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.

John 6:5-6 (NLT)

And he climbed aboard the boat with them, and the wind dropped. But they were scared out of their wits. They had not had the sense to learn the lesson of the loaves. Even that miracle had not opened their eyes to see who he was.

Mark 6:51-52 (Phillips)

What will it take for us to be one step ahead of the disciples? Learning to trust God is not easy, but if we’re to be effective leaders, we must grasp the lessons He has for us. Here in John 6, the disciples saw only problems as Jesus taught the crowds and the hour grew late. How will we feed them? There are too many people! It's more than we can afford. Jesus was neither surprised or worried. Why? Because He already knew what He was going to do. What the disciples saw as a logistical problem turned into a miracle moment for Jesus and an object lesson for His followers. This week, we’ll consider how Jesus tests our faith and what it will take for us to learn the lesson of the loaves.

MONDAY

1. LESSON 1: THE YARDSTICK LESSON

Do not measure a problem or challenge according to your own abilities.

[Your Objective: Challenge the group to rethink a seemingly impossible task in light of tackling it with God on your team.]

What did Jesus ask Philip in John 6:5-6?

  • Why do you think Jesus wanted to test Philip?
  • Why didn't Jesus just perform the miracle without involving his disciples?

How did Philip respond to Jesus in John 6:7?

  • Though Jesus asked a "where" question, what type of answer did Philip give?
  • If Philip had fully developed faith, how might his response be different?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Jesus used "impossible" situations to mature His disciples. God tests us not to grade us but to grow us. This week, find time to think about the biggest problem in your life. Write down that part of it you cannot do by yourself. Ask God to do the part you cannot do after you do the part you can. Allow God to stretch your faith, strengthen your eternal hope, and show His incredible Love through your situation.

TUESDAY

2. LESSON 2: THE SCALES LESSON

Little in the hands of Jesus becomes much.

[Your Objective: Discover that Jesus can do much when we give Him the little we have.]

According to John 6:8-9 what did Andrew observe?

  • What did Andrew's question reveal about his attitude?
  • When it comes to our faith, why do we often depend on our logic instead of envisioning what God can do?
  • What types of problems do we tend to think are too big for God to handle?

What did Jesus do with the loaves and the fish in John 6:10-11?

  • What does the incident demonstrate about how Jesus works?
  • How does this miracle challenge logic?

WEDNESDAY

There are other places in Scripture where God reveals His power to do much with little. Look at Judges 7:7 and 1 Samuel 17:50. What do these passages say about God's ability to make mighty use of small resources?

  • Why do we often think what we have to offer is insufficient for God?
  • Why was David able to do a big thing with so little?
  • Instead of trusting God, where do we often look for gain?
  • When we are most in need, have you noticed God seems to reduce our resources? Why do you think He does that?

Worship (Magnification) - God is magnified when we trust Him to work with what we give Him. As leaders, we need to say, "I'll start with what little I have." What have you decided is too big for God to accomplish? What have you decided is too little for Him to bother with? As an act of worship to God this week, offer Him something you've been putting off because you thought it was either 1) too impossible, or 2) too insignificant. Ask for His will to be accomplished in and through your life. Share the outcome with your group next session.

THURSDAY

3. LESSON 3: THE LEDGER SHEET LESSON

Every encounter with a problem or challenge can bring in an increase.

[Your Objective: Challenge the group to let God turn a problem into an opportunity for increase.]

In John 6:12-13, what did Jesus ask the disciples to gather up after everyone had eaten?

  • Why do you think Jesus gave this instruction?
  • When we encounter problems, what often keeps us from simply asking God to help?
  • In what ways have you seen Jesus working in someone's life to increase the little they offered Him?
  • What can increase look like in a person's life?

In Mark 6:51-52, what insight or lesson did the disciples fail to learn?

  • If the disciples just saw Jesus perform the miracle of multiplying the loaves and fish, why were they surprised when Jesus performed another miracle when they were in the boat and struggling with the wind?
  • Even though many already have witnessed God's miracles in their lives in the past, why is it easy to forget that Jesus will continue to help us if we get Him involved?
  • What examples in our lives can we share with others to help them know who Jesus is and how He works?

Evangelism (Mission) - One of the things we know God wants to increase is His kingdom. How might He want to use you to bring in more lost souls? This week, share with someone who does not yet know Jesus about the way He helped you with a past problem that brought increase when you involved Jesus.

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Understand the leadership lesson of the loaves: discover what He can do with what you offer.]

We don't always understand how Jesus works. Have you noticed that when you admit your fear of something, He pushes you toward that very thing? God wants us to grow! When we know who He is, trusting Him gets easier. This week, plan to study the "I am's of Jesus. Set aside time to consider these verses: John 6:35; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 14:6. What do these verses tell you about this man who multiplied the loaves and fish? Write down the facts you discover and ask Him how He would apply them to your life. Record what His Spirit reveals to you and plan to share it with your group next session. If you have never said yes to a relationship with Christ, do that now and begin an exciting, lifelong journey of faith. You may believe you have little to offer. Hold out your hands, and watch Him do miracles.