Faith Testing

[Christ4Ever]

Then Jesus lifted up [His] eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. John 6:5-6 NKJV

Jesus was about to perform one of His greatest miracles—the feeding of five thousand hungry people, the only one of His miracles recorded in all four Gospels. John’s account of this miracle includes a lesson in faith for the disciple Philip.

Jesus knew what He was going to do and how He was going to do it, but first He asked Philip how they could possibly buy enough food to feed such a large crowd. Philip couldn’t answer Jesus’ question directly but instead pointed out the problem: “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (John 6:7)

Philip’s problem was that he was focused on the material resources they needed to solve the problem when he should have been focusing on the solution standing right in front of him. He failed the test, but he learned a valuable lesson about faith.

When God asks you to do something that is beyond your means, do you focus on the problems the task presents, or do you focus on the one who provides everything you need?

Prayer: Jesus, whenever You give me a tough assignment, help me to focus on You and Your provision.

 

[B-A-C]

Heb 11:17; By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;
1Pet 1:7; so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

I think most of us, at one time or another will have our faith tested. Peter did.
It's fine and good to say I believe in Jesus, and I trust in God, but when the tests come, will your actions prove it?
God already knows the depth of your faith. But do you?

 

[Christ4Ever]

Good questions. Some would say that actions speak louder than words.

 

[Curtis]

Heb 4:15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.(NLT)

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. (NLT)

 

[Seethat]

Heb 4:15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.(NLT)

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. (NLT)

Your version butchered the verse, The test is if Jesus in you.

5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Jesus said you must be born again, that is the criteria

 

[Bill]

Good questions. Some would say that actions speak louder than words.

There is a nun that you would be really proud of, she passed away some years ago though. The name that was given to her by her, by the younger nuns was Mother Angelica. She placed all of her faith in Jesus. The Lord told her that he wanted her specifically to start up a radio and TV Ministry. She talks about it in one of her interviews, how the problems came in and all she would do is give them up to the Lord, saying to Jesus okay you got me into this mess help me out of it please. It's quite a remarkable story.

I know, she is catholic. But if you take a moment and look up Mother Angelica on your computers or phones you'll find many of her talks listed, and all I can suggest is listen to one of them. Because they're beautiful to listen to. The program that was on the air for many years was called "Mother Angelica Live".

 

[First and the Last]

Then Jesus lifted up [His] eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. John 6:5-6 NKJV

Jesus was about to perform one of His greatest miracles—the feeding of five thousand hungry people, the only one of His miracles recorded in all four Gospels. John’s account of this miracle includes a lesson in faith for the disciple Philip.

Jesus knew what He was going to do and how He was going to do it, but first He asked Philip how they could possibly buy enough food to feed such a large crowd. Philip couldn’t answer Jesus’ question directly but instead pointed out the problem: “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (John 6:7)

Philip’s problem was that he was focused on the material resources they needed to solve the problem when he should have been focusing on the solution standing right in front of him. He failed the test, but he learned a valuable lesson about faith.

When God asks you to do something that is beyond your means, do you focus on the problems the task presents, or do you focus on the one who provides everything you need?

Prayer: Jesus, whenever You give me a tough assignment, help me to focus on You and Your provision.

I appreciate your insights and would like to share a few additional thoughts to complement what you've already said.

This passage highlights several important aspects of Jesus' ministry and character. First, it shows Jesus' compassion for the multitudes. He recognizes their physical needs and seeks to address them, demonstrating that He cares not only for spiritual well-being but also for practical, everyday concerns. This aligns with the emphasis on Jesus' love and care for all aspects of human life.

The passage reveals Jesus' omniscience and intentionality. Jesus asks Philip a question not because He needs information, but to test and strengthen Philip's faith. Jesus already knows what He is going to do, underscoring His divine knowledge and the deliberate nature of His actions. This moment of testing is a teaching opportunity for His disciples, showing them the importance of trusting in Jesus' provision and power.

This passage sets the stage for the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, which is a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine authority and ability to provide abundantly. It underscores the belief in Jesus' supernatural power to meet needs in extraordinary ways, which is a central theme in faith. The miracle that follows serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' identity as the Messiah and His mission to bring both physical and spiritual sustenance to humanity.