July 23, 2021

Dear Road Church Friends,

Sunday’s lesson comes from John’s version of a famous episode in the ministry of Jesus. It is known as The Feeding of the Five Thousand. It is one of the few miracle stories found in all four Gospels (Matt. 14:13–21; Mark 6:35–44; 8:1-8; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1-15). The fact that all the Gospel authors included it, (and that Mark tells it twice!), is an indication of its great importance. The interesting part of the story is that Jesus makes this situation a test of faith by asking his disciples to do something humanly impossible. They react exactly as we would, saying, “We Can’t!” To which Jesus replies, “Yes We Can!” This is the situation many churches are in today, as they face seemingly impossible challenges. What lessons does this incident have for us?

SCRIPTURE:  John 6:1-15                     

SERMON: Our Faith, Even Against Impossible Odds, Is God’s Opportunity

One day Jesus saw a large crowd coming toward him. He said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” Jesus said this to test him, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip answered, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” Andrew said, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But these are not nearly enough. Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” There were about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the five loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples to gather the leftovers, so that nothing may be wasted. So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets.  

When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This man must be the prophet we have been waiting for.” When Jesus realized that they were about to take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

THEY WHO TREAD THE PATH OF LABOR

They who tread the path of labor follow where my feet have trod,

They who work without complaining do the holy will of God;

Where the many toil together there am I among my own,

Where the tired workman sleepeth, there am I with him alone.

I, the peace that passeth knowledge, dwell amid the daily strife;

I, the bread of heaven broken in the sacrament of life.

Every task, however simple, sets the soul that does it free;

Every deed of love and mercy, done to man, is done for me.

by Henry van Dyke

May the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Pastor Norm

Road Church worship service for July 25, 2021 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X151W03VYWE