May 24, 2020

Scripture Reading: Revelation 19:1-10

Background: Jesus has been ministering all throughout the Galilean region and doing miracles in Galilee, Capernaum, Gadarea, and other areas. His popularity is at a high; He has even caught the attention of Herod the Tetrarch. He is about to receive the news of the beheading of John the Baptist, as His disciples are returning and giving a report of their missionary journeys. This particular account merits notoriety in all four gospels, the first to do so, and because of that I question why. John wrote specifically to address the deity of Christ, so why does he include this account? I hope we leave today with an answer to that question.

Read/Pray: Matthew 14:13-21 (Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6)

Study:

1.) The humanity of Christ.

a. Jesus and His disciples depart to be by themselves.

i. Jesus has just heard report of the beheading of John. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

ii. The apostles have just returned from preaching abroad. (Luke 9:10)

b. Jesus had compassion on them. (vs.14)

i. Like sheep without a shepherd.

1. Same as Matthew 9:36

2.) The desire of the crowd.

a. They had heard of the miracles.

b. They were running on foot.

i. Mark 6:33

ii. Imagine racing around the lake to beat a boat on the other side.

3.) The provision of God.

a. Jesus healed the sick.

b. Called for their rest.

c. Fed them from very little in a desolate place.

i. Average villages were about 3000 total. Here we have 5000 men plus women and children. Some say the total could have been upwards of 20,000.

God takes care of His children.

4.) The greater picture/revelation.

a. He fulfilled prophecy.

i. He healed them.

1. Malachi 4:2

2. Isaiah 53:5

b. He commanded them to sit down in green grass. (the Greek "anaklino", that is recline, lay back)

1. Psalm 23:1

c. He provided in excess.

i. Mark 6:42-43

d. He provided for all who came, without discretion.

i. Mark 6:48 "They all..."

ii. Matthew 11:28

iii. John 6:37

5.) The greatest picture.

a. Jesus is the Lamb of God.

i. He is the Host of this banquet. (Herod's banquet was dark. Jesus' banquet brings light.

1. Mark 6:41

ii. He is the host of the Lord's Table.

1. In John 6, this same account of the feeding of the five thousand, John points out that it is the time of the Passover. Oh, don't miss this!

2. In John 13, in the upper room with His disciples, the Passover meal. When Jesus' hour had come, we see Him acting out the humble servant's role.

3. Luke 22:14-20

iii. He is the host of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

1. At the final consummation.

2. When the wicked of the earth are judged.

Conclusion:

The feeding of the five thousand was surely a miracle, it teaches us that God provides- absolutely. But it's greatest revelation is that Jesus is the Lamb of God. All who come to him will find rest. His righteousness becomes our righteousness, through faith in Christ, through His blood we are given fine linen, bright and pure. (Revelation 19:8) His bride has purchased, through faith, white garments. (Revelation 3:18) Revelation 19:9 says, "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb".

~ Will you be at the feast?

~ Is there a place card at the Great Banquet, the Marriage Supper f the Lamb, with your name on it?

~ Have you exchanged your sin for His righteousness?

~ Are you made pure by the shed blood of the Lamb?

~ If not, then why not today?

~ Are you dirty like Peter on John 13, and in need of clean feet? Repent today and be refreshed in your spirit. The altar is open. The time is now. Behold; Today is the day of salvation.

Jesus is the host on the hill.

Jesus is the host at the table.

Jesus is the host in Heaven.